TC Weekly News August 31 - September 6, 2024

COURT RULES AGAINST GOV

TCI ACHIEVES

David vs Goliath: Local entrepreneur battles corporate giant in tourism feud

BY OLIVIA ROSE

A local water sports operator, Ron Misick, CEO and Boat Captain of Ron’s Mystery Tours, is waging a fierce battle against Red Hospitality and Leisure, a global excursion booking agency, accused of employing predatory tactics, misrepresenting their services to the government, and ultimately jeopardising the livelihoods of local operators.

In the sun-kissed Turks and Caicos Islands, a storm is brewing within the local water sports industry, as operators raise their voices against what they allege are predatory business practices by Red Hospitality and Leisure, an international excursion booking agency operating in the islands.

“They portrayed an image to get their licenses... by saying they were coming to be booking agents,” Misick revealed in an exclusive interview with the Turks and Caicos Weekly News.

“We warned the government... because from time [they] started [they] brought in... boats. If you’re coming to a country to do booking agent services, why do you need a boat? One boat, another one now, another one. They got, like, three. I heard that they have more boats coming.”

Misick alleges that Red Hospitality, under the guise of a booking agency, is operating as a tour operator, creating an unfair

competitive landscape for local businesses.

He claims that the company’s staff working through hotels are actively discouraging tourists from booking with local vendors, labelling them as “scammers” and “ghetto”.

This accusation is supported by a WhatsApp interaction Misick shared, where a potential customer expressed interest in his services but was allegedly deterred by hotel staff. “The guests are not just going to trump up some sort of untruth like that,” Misick asserted. “It sounds more realistic to believe that they were deterred from booking local operators.”

He added: “They’re not gonna admit to it,” referring to the company’s alleged tactics. “You think they’re gonna admit to doing something that they know there is heavy consequences behind it?”

The alleged incident has sparked outrage among locals, who are demanding government’s intervention. Misick expressed his frustration with the lack of action, stating, “The government is not taking it seriously. They are not... the reason why I’m saying they’re not taking it seriously is because it would have gotten dealt with.”

He further criticised the government’s response, recounting a previous meeting with the premier where operators were told that Red Hospitality had the proper licenses and that there was nothing that could be done. “That is strictly

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BS,” Misick retorted. “Because you came in and got a license for a booking agency, not excursions, not boat charters.”

As tensions rise, Misick and other local operators are vowing to fight for their livelihoods. “I’m not going down without a fight,” Misick declared. “It’s either they work with us and give us justice or justice will take itself.”

For Misick, this is more than a business dispute; it’s a fight for his livelihood and the preservation of local entrepreneurship.

DEEP CONCERN

Coupled with this, the TCI Watersports Association, representing 150 local business owners, recently penned a scathing letter accusing RED/Ashford Inc., a Texas-based investment firm, of attempting to monopolise the watersports industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In the strongly worded letter, the association expressed deep concern over the actions of RED/ Ashford, particularly their recent appointment of John Hazard as Managing Director of Grace Bay Club. Hazard previously served as GM of the Ritz-Carlton, where RED/Ashford first introduced their watersports services.

“A few months ago, John Hazard was appointed Managing Director of Grace Bay Club, and it appears as though he plans to bring a branch of RED/Ashford to Grace Bay Resorts with him,” the letter states.

The association argued that RED/Ashford, with its vast financial resources, poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of local operators who have built the industry over the past 40 years.

“RED/Ashford seems to be very proud of their Vertical Integration business strategy,” the letter continues. “This basically means they seek to control the watersports industry at every level of production.”

The association accuses RED/ Ashford of using its financial might to edge out local competition by bringing in their own equipment, rather than utilising the services of existing operators.

“With Grace Bay Resorts, RED/ Ashford will assess the market and bring in equipment to fully control that market, displacing many local operators in the process,” the letter warns.

The association also claims that RED/Ashford has shown a disregard for the local community

and its traditions.

“Generations of Islanders have survived by resourcefully handmaking small boats to fish with and larger, ocean-going boats to trade with,” the letter emphasises.

“It is insulting for a Texas-based Investment Group with many billions in assets to land on our shores and ask our mariners to step aside, suggesting that they have a better way to do it.”

The association concludes by issuing a call to action, urging the public to contact their elected representatives and the directors

of Grace Bay Resorts to express their opposition to RED/Ashford’s perceived takeover of the watersports industry.

The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for the local water sports industry and the economic fabric of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As Misick and others stand their ground, the eyes of the community are watching, hoping for a resolution that protects their interests and preserves the spirit of local enterprise.

CEO and Boat Captain of Ron’s Mystery Tours, Ron Misick

A Screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation between Ron and a potential client

Judge rules compulsory acquisition of land at Sapodilla Bay not necessary

– illegal vending issues at popular beach still not resolved

BY DELANA ISLES

Another setback has struck the government as it failed to acquire land at the controversial Sapodilla Bay beach to establish a vendors’ market and alleviate several issues that have sparked protests by homeowners and vendors over the years.

Last Thursday, August 22, Judge Anthony Gruchot handed down a written judgement in an appeal on the Land Acquisition Ordinance brought by 99 Sapodilla Ltd against the Governor.

Attorney Tim Prudhoe and Nadia Chiesa appeared for the appellant, and Senior Crown Counsel Motheba Linton for the respondent.

The appeal relates to the intended acquisition of parcel 60612/99 located at Norway and Five Cays: Chalk Sound, Providenciales for the development of a vendors’ market to accommodate vendors and tourism activities.

Parcel 60612/99 is undeveloped land owned by the appellant (99 Sapodilla Ltd.) who also owns the adjacent southerly parcel 60612/100 upon which is built a luxury villa which the appellant rents as tourist accommodation.

These land parcels were acquired by the appellant in March 2013, and were offered for purchase to the government; however, the government had no interest in acquiring a villa property.

Consequently, on August 23, 2022, former Governor (Nigel Dakin) issued a Declaration of Intended Acquisition for parcel 60612/99. This declaration followed a Cabinet decision on December 9, 2021, pursuant to the Land Acquisition Ordinance.

The Declaration appeared as Government Notice 536 in the August 26, 2022, Gazette, and the appellant presented to the court that it was never notified of the Declaration until it was published in the Gazette.

Efforts to have it resolved by the Attorney General’s Chambers were unsuccessful, leading to the appeal in October 2022.

In May, the court allowed the appeal on the ground that the acquisition of the particular land was not necessary for the purpose intended.

Since 2017, activities at the beach have been subject to numerous complaints of illegal beach vending and associated

issues. As submitted in sworn statements to the court by CherylAnn Jones - the Permanent Secretary with administrative responsibility for land acquisitionthe purpose of the acquisition was to alleviate these issues.

The issues she identified to Cabinet prior to the Declaration, were, in summary: vendors encroaching on private property, disturbance of the peace, overcrowding (number of vendors exceeds carrying capacity), marine safety and poor waste management.

The appellant submitted to the court that the acquisition of the target land is not necessary for the purpose intended, that is, the development of a vendors’ market to accommodate vendors and tourism activities.

They also submitted to the court that there are one or more alternative sites available which

would meet the requirements for the purpose intended without the necessity for compulsory purchase.

The Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance 2021 and the Beach and Coastal Vending Regulations 2021 prohibit vending activities on beaches without a license and have established designated vending zones.

Under the Ordinance, a vending zone was established for Sapodilla Bay on Crown land across the road from the beach, but it is currently unused.

Over the years, vendors have staunchly protested that the zoned site is wholly inadequate and that it will disenfranchise them being so far away from the beach.

In his judgement, Justice Gruchot stated that no vending zone is established on the beach in Sapodilla Bay and that it is apparent the activities on the beach

are in breach of both the Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance and the Regulations.

He said a separate action has been brought to compel enforcement.

Meanwhile, in his judgement of the appeal, Judge Gruchot said there was no evidence presented to the court to show how the acquisition of land parcel 60612/99 would address the issues identified by Ms. Jones, and thus, the acquisition was not necessary.

He noted that having allowed the appeal under section 17(1)(b) of the Land Acquisition Ordinance, section 17(4) comes into operation.

Section 17(4) of the Land Ordinance provides: “If the appeal is allowed the Court shall make a declaration to that effect setting out the grounds for the decision. If the appeal is allowed upon grounds referred to in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section, the

Governor shall cause the proposal for the acquisition of the particular land to be reconsidered in the light of the evidence before and the finding of the Court, but shall not be bound to discontinue the proceedings for the acquisition of the land concerned if he is satisfied that in the public interest, the acquisition of the particular land is preferable to the alternative site proposed by the appellant. If the Court allows the appeal upon the grounds referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section, the Governor shall give directions for the proceedings for the compulsory acquisition of the particular land to be discontinued.”

The judge noted that this now requires the court to make a declaration to that effect.

He has instructed counsel for both sides that he will soon be hearing from them as to the wording of the declaration.

Senior citizen financial aid programme faces further delays

The Turks and Caicos government has announced further delays in the Financial Assistance Programme (FAP), a critical initiative designed to provide financial relief to elderly residents.

The FAP, which guarantees a minimum monthly income of $1,000 to qualifying seniors aged 70 and above, has faced setbacks in disbursing funds. This delay has sparked frustration and concern among seniors who were relying on the promised

support.

In a previous address to the nation, Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick acknowledged the delay and assured residents that “every qualifying person will receive their check as soon as possible.”

However, the government now reports that technological aspects of the programme are taking longer than expected to finalise, pushing disbursement beyond the previously announced August

timeframe.

The government is urging patience as it works to resolve these issues and ensure the smooth distribution of funds.

In the meantime, applicants are being urged to complete an affidavit as part of the eligibility verification process, to be uploaded once the database is open.

Despite the setback, the government maintains that all benefits will be retroactive from April 1, 2024. (OLIVIA ROSE)

Sapodilla Bay beach

RED VS LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS

The TCI Watersports Association, representing 150 local business owners, has accused RED/Ashford Inc., a Texas-based investment firm, of attempting to monopolise the watersports industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The association expressed concern over RED/Ashford’s appointment of John Hazard as Managing Director of Grace Bay Club, alleging that he plans to bring a branch of RED/Ashford to Grace Bay Resorts. The association argues that RED/Ashford, with its vast financial resources, poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of local operators who have built the industry over the past 40 years. They accuse RED/Ashford of using its financial might to edge out local competition by bringing in their own equipment, rather than utilizing the services of existing operators. The association also claims that RED/Ashford has shown a disregard for the local community and its traditions. The association concludes by issuing a call to action, urging the public to contact their elected representatives and the directors of Grace Bay Resorts to express their opposition to RED/Ashford’s perceived takeover of the watersports industry. What do you think should be done about RED?

Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken

Why would anyone who claims to be looking out for the interest of Belonger business people allow an outside firm to come in and cream a very significant portion of the revenue generated by this Belongerdominated industry?

There is no indication whatsoever that the current watersports operators are not offering a safe and highly enjoyable activity for the country’s visitors, so this is very much an attempt to fix something that isn’t broken. Here we have something that the PDM should make an important election issue because virtually all of the local watersports operators and their employees are voters who are facing a very severe reduction in their incomes as RED tries to capture at least two of the largest resort groups on Providenciales.

Unfortunately, this seems like a repeat of the long-standing question with the TCI

Office of the Premier on this issue. At one point, the premier stated that he would have the issue investigated when the public was aware that “an investigation was no way needed”. The problem could have been solved with the “stroke of a pen”.

The Business Licensing Ordinance contains enough powers and “Teeth” to enable the Minister of Finance and His Permanent Secretary (Finance) to revoke a license when its application particulars are misleading.

A government with loyalty to its people would simply move to suspend RED’s license on the grounds that its activities are harmful to “existing local industry” and of course that “its application particulars are misleading”. The RED operation may well benefit its sponsors and make an efficient mode of doing business for them, but “existing local industry” the 150-strong Watersports Association should have protection from its government.

in and unfairly compete against local water sports operators. How could a government that purports to care about the people, simply “do nothing” about the situation?

The government, it seems, does not have an instinct or policy to help its people. What about developing a competition policy designed to protect watersports operators who are local “here”? The very essence of the Business Licensing Ordinance is ‘protectionist’, but the spirit and intent of those protectionist provisions are never enforced because in the TCI, “money talks”.

Total takeover

Governments – who got paid off?

Plagued with conflicting narratives

The positions taken on this RED WaterSports Project issue by the Premier, His ministers, the Minister that is “supposed to be responsible for Tourism” and the Destination Management Organisation (the “DMO”) are all untenable and cannot make sense, even to an “unthinking person.”. People should be able to look to the Premier, the DMO, the Government or the Minister of Tourism for protection from “outside forces” but nothing is forthcoming from any of them. Alas, it seems that the TCI is indeed a “land of unwalled villages”. It is a situation where there’s a 150-strong Watersports Association and the Government tying itself in “knots” so as not to do anything. There are too many contradicting narratives coming from the

It does not seem to be the case here. The other side of “the conflicting narrative” by the Premier was that he looked into and quite surprisingly “found nothing amiss.” Those hearing talk of an “investigation” knew that it was a farce, a “well-oiled canard” and a deft way to “kick the can down the road”. This is one of those ‘Pontious Pilate’ moments’ where the Premier would seek to wash his hands of the situation but the stains are still there,

Busy doing nothing

Governments are there to collect money in so many ways, including through taxes, direct and indirect. Administrations then have campaigns that must be funded. Why would any government allow the possible “flow of funds” to be threatened by taking on this RED entity?

Governments of the past, like the old PDM, would have either revoked the license or taken to the streets with the people to protest the very notion of RED taking bread out of people’s mouths. We are dealing with unfair competition here and the government is allowing a Texas-based company to come

The TCIslander population continues to dwindle against other nations and big investors just seemingly have to flash some dollars and Massa mentality hits our appointed officials. We have to safeguard our own, safeguard our local population. What are we selling out for? We will regret it when TCI is wrested away from our control.

Government not serious

Responses from the government can be termed ‘weak’. The Ministers will say this is “legal’ so was slavery but that didn’t make that nor apartheid right! Let us wake up, we have no country, and we have no rights because the Grace Bay

Premier commits to prioritise social infrastructure and people-centred development

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a bold departure from traditional governance, Turks and Caicos Islands’ Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick has declared a resolute commitment to prioritising the island nation’s social infrastructure and overall human development.

This ground-breaking policy shift, revealed during a recent interview on “THIS IS WHAT’S UP 2.0,” challenges the conventional focus on ‘big-ticket’ physical infrastructure projects, marking a new era of peoplecentred leadership.

Premier Misick, in a candid conversation with Former Deputy Premier and host of the talk show Hon Erwin ‘Jay’ Saunders, outlined his administration’s focus on initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of Turks and Caicos Islanders, emphasising that true progress extends far beyond roads, ports, and airports.

Misick underscored his commitment to prioritising holistic human development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He elucidated his administration’s focus on initiatives that extend beyond conventional “big ticket” physical

infrastructure projects. Contending that while roads, ports, and airports are undeniably crucial, the social fabric of a nation is equally, if not more, vital.

He further emphasised the significance of “institution building” and a comprehensive

Continued

Boys are closely knitted to this PNP government. The problem is there are 14 elected MPs and one appointed MP who are strangely silent over this issue even though it is a betrayal of local industry. On the other hand, the response from Opposition and Community forces seems uniform. The Hon Ralph Higgs, former MP for North and Middle Caicos, and Tourism Minister of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) stated: “The Red Deal which was recently announced is a “Red Hot Deal” that may further disempower and marginalize our people. I find that all of the sectors of our economy, which our people have proven time and time again, that they can ably manage are being undermined from us.

These sectors are now out of our reach or have new barriers to entry, making it very difficult for us to reenter that business or operate therein. I remember when once upon a time, Turks and Caicos Islanders were

approach to governance that encompasses quantitative metrics such as population and GDP growth, but also, crucially, the less tangible but equally important Human Development Index.

“Our focus has been on trying to make lives better for our people,”

dominant in the construction sector, the real estate sector, the property management sector, boutique and gift shops sector including the now coveted water sports and fishing sector, just to name to a few.”

The Hon Higgs stated further “Today, our people have been almost entirely pushed out of these sectors or they have become so marginalized, that they find it challenging to make a meaningful living in these areas. The relaxing of the laws that saw certain areas reserved for our people has disempowered too many of us. Let it be known; I will never support anything that hinders the growth or development of our country’s economy. However, we clearly have to revisit the Reserved sectors of our economy to ensure our people have a realistic chance at succeeding here in our country before all is lost. It is approaching the eleventh hour in this regard. Let’s change course before it is too late.”. This is another time the government needs to heed even if for the sake of the people.

Premier Misick asserted. “I think it was you who coined the term during our campaign state people living their best life, and that speaks to the human development index, rather than GDP.”

Reflecting on the government’s achievements, the Premier highlighted a substantial increase in the social budget, which has reportedly risen from around $3m to over $10m. He proudly characterised himself as a “socialist” in the context of his dedication to providing for the needs of the populace.

Premier Misick also outlined ongoing physical infrastructure projects, including a major port expansion and the redevelopment of Providenciales International Airport.

However, he underscored that these endeavours are complemented by significant investments in social programmes.

To this end, Misick further explained that the establishment of a Mortgage Corporation aims to provide affordable housing solutions, while a $7.5m investment in a credit union seeks to enhance financial accessibility for citizens.

“These are all social development support that will

Do something

With 14 former safe seats in an elected Parliament of 15, and if there is a government with vision, care or concern for the people, that government could virtually “do anything” for the people, if they want to. They are without excuse! They cannot blame the PDM opposition because they can “steam-roll” and “ram” any bill, policy or measure through the House in one sitting if they want to. They did it before and where the Opposition is in agreement, consent to a one-day proceeding could be given. It is a matter of them wanting to do something! Most recently, this self-same PNP government moved amendments to the Business Licensing Ordinance which require an applicant to show “(a) proof of how the proposed business would add value to the Islands economy, such proof to be aligned to the projected profitability and or the

make people lives better, improve, improve the quality of life for people,” Premier Misick affirmed.

The Premier further discussed the implementation of a financial assistance program for seniors aged 70 and over, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring the affordability and sustainability of such initiatives.

He expressed a vision for the Turks and Caicos Islands as a place where citizens can truly live their best lives, with a strong emphasis on quality of life, standard of living, and robust social support systems.

In closing, Premier Misick reiterated his belief in the importance of not only economic growth but also addressing social issues and fostering a sense of community.

He stressed the role of strong institutions and regional partnerships in supporting the nation, particularly in the face of challenges such as natural disasters or pandemics.

“My focus is on making sure we have social infrastructure,” the Premier concluded, encapsulating a vision of governance that places the well-being and prosperity of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands at its core.”

creation of employment for residents (which will be crucial with regard to enhancing the economic standing of the economy); (b) evidence of the applicant’s good standing in the business community and professional conduct in society, which may be in the form of references, certification from reputable organisations or persons in the same or similar field, industry or sector applying for (which will assist in making a determination of the nature and previous conduct”.

In no respect, shape, or form could RED qualify under these provisions and how they remain licensed is a mystery but not surprising. This government is not lacking in opportunity but really in the “will, resolve, and intent to do something for the People”. RED cannot show, in light of the complaints from the existing watersports companies that it is adding value to the country. Instead, it seems, “they’re taking and are here to take”. What employment has it created?

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick

PDM leader calls out RED Hospitality for discriminatory and predatory actions

BY DELANA ISLES

The alleged marginalisation of local watersports operators was further compounded this week with allegations that RED Hospitality and Leisure is behind the branding of local operators as “ghetto scammers”, discouraging visitors from using their services.

The watersports association has accused the business, an international watersport and excursion booking agency, of continued predatory practices. This week the latest spark of accusations is that RED’s representatives are actively telling tourists not to book with operators not associated with the company.

While the Premier, who spoke with Weekly News last week, said the company is operating legally within the TCI, the crux of the association’s grievance is that the company is now being allowed to add other resorts to their booking portfolio, pushing out independent operators.

This week, Hon. Edwin Astwood, Leader of People’s

Democratic Movement (PDM) and the official opposition stood in solidarity with local operators as they fight for fair competition in the Islands’ growing tourism industry.

He said the government, which allowed RED to operate in the country and expand its services, failed to protect local businesses from their predatory practices.

“RED has been allowed to run rampant while our hardworking Turks and Caicos Islanders suffer the consequences. This is not just policy failure; it is a betrayal of the trust you placed in your leaders.”

He accused: “How dare the Premier sit idly by while potential customers are misled? How dare he allow the spread of misinformation that puts our local operators - who work tirelessly in the blazing sun to make our tourism sector thriveat a disadvantage?

“We have heard it from the very mouths of potential visitors: ‘Don’t book with non-RED affiliated operators; you might get scammed.”

Astwood said this is not just

damaging, it is criminal, as it destroys trust and undermines the very fabric of the local economy.

He said the promises made to safeguard local businesses are not being fulfilled.

“Empty words and no meaningful solutions. The Premier’s office has offered nothing but silence and inaction. It is a disgrace. How can

we stand by while the very future of our young entrepreneurs is at stake? How can we allow this government to continue robbing them of their potential?

According to the party leader, the harsh reality is that “RED has been given an unfair advantage by this government, and it appears that the Premier and his ministers

may very well be benefitting from this arrangement.”

He further questioned: “Are they protecting and promoting RED to line their own pockets while taking food out of the mouths of our young business owners?

“This is not just a question; it is a call to action. We demand transparency, accountability, and justice.”

He is calling on the government to take action, assuring that the PDM is committed to standing up for every local operator who has been impacted by this travesty.

Among other things, Astwood is calling for legislative reforms, review of watersports business practices, an enforced strategic plan among all stakeholders, better consumer education, and support for local operators.

He said if the current government cannot offer these measures to protect the young entrepreneurs, then the PDM will.

“We will explore policies that prevent monopolistic practices and promote a level playing field for all our entrepreneurs,” he promised.

TCI grappling with cost of living, crime, and infrastructure challenges – Premier admits

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a candid interview on “THIS IS WHAT’S UP 2.0,” Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon Charles Washington Misick openly addressed the escalating issues that are preventing the territory’s citizens from reaching their full potential.

The Premier did not shy away from discussing the problems that are keeping him up at night, citing the high cost of living, rising crime rates, and inadequate infrastructure as major obstacles for the island nation.

“We all live together here on TCI, and we all have to go to the supermarket,” the official stated.

“Whether you’re making $5,000 a month, $2,000 a month, or $25,000 a month, we all have to go to the supermarket. And so I believe, a big stumbling block for workingclass people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is the cost of living.”

Misick attributed the escalating cost of living to global inflation and supply chain issues that were

exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the present circumstances, Misick expressed hope that TCI would benefit from predicted reductions in price inflation in the United States, given the islands’ reliance on imports.

He also acknowledged the growing concern over crime rates

in TCI. “The level of fear in the TCI has risen because of the unprecedented sort of category and frequency of crime that we see”. In addition to these pressing issues, the Premier emphasised the need for improved social infrastructure, particularly to support vulnerable groups such as single parents.

He stressed the importance of his government’s efforts in ensuring that essential services are accessible to all residents, regardless of their income level.

Furthermore, the territory’s leader acknowledged the need for continued focus on human capital development.

While the government has provided numerous grants and scholarships for education, the Premier recognised the challenge of retaining young talent in the islands.

“Some of them are going abroad, getting their education, and not coming back for a number of reasons.”

He lamented: “Not all economic, some are social, if you’re a 21-yearold living in the city of London, you’ve got all kinds of social options available to you. You may decide that’s more fun than being here where you know it’s sort of a glass bowl, where everyone sees you and knows you.”

To address this issue, the government is implementing

apprenticeship programs and other initiatives to provide training and job placement opportunities for young people.

The Premier expressed his belief that these efforts, along with a focus on social corporate responsibility, will lead to a brighter future for TCI.

“The best life is relative to what the country can afford,” he concluded.

“And you will see more and more that, we’ll be focusing on, enforcing, legislating, some kind of social corporate responsibility to make sure that the concessions that we provide for investments in these islands that there will be programs in place to ensure that we extract more from them, that we benefit from educating our young people and improving our social situation.”

The Premier’s frank discussion of these challenges highlights the government’s recognition of the need for urgent action to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon. Edwin Astwood, Leader of People’s Democratic Movement

Hon Charles Washington Misick

“TCI’s culture of silence needs to end”

– Minister Otis Morris on violence against women and girls

BY DELANA ISLES

Gender-based violence against women and girls continues to be a troubling issue in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with rising reports of sexual assaults and extreme acts of violence against the vulnerable.

This week, Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Otis Morris, took a zero-tolerance stance against gender-based violence in the territory.

Morris’ position comes amid several victim reports of rape and other sexual assaults during the commission of robberies and burglaries, repeated rape of women catching public transportation, sexual assaults of minor girls, and the brutal shooting death of a Grand Turk woman, to name a few.

Minister Morris said he and his ministry are committed to supporting those in need of healing, issuing a clarion call for the community to stand unified in stamping out this scourge.

As the crime rate continues to rise in the territory, so does the incidences of violence against women, more recently those committed by strangers during armed robberies and or kidnappings of females.

One of the recurring issues within the territory is the culture of silence, a point raised by the minister.

“The culture of silence is one which allows violence to flourish against women and girls, and we need to speak up.”

He is calling on all to be vigilant and proactive in preventing such violence, leading o unimaginable tragedies for families.

“If you see something, say something. Together we can create a safer environment for all,” he encouraged.

He said the Ministry of Home Affairs along with the Department of Gender Affairs has been working on measures to deal with those who commit such violent acts.

As well as prevention methods, the Minister said they are advocating stiffer penalties for perpetrators.

He said in addition to the legal measures, a comprehensive domestic violence protocol is being enforced, enabling a coordinated and robust approach across all agencies – judiciary, health, social development, law enforcement and NGOs.

The Gender Affairs Department has listed a number of precautionary measures for women to ensure their safety. Among them, do not walk alone in dark or isolated areas, always let a friend or family member know your whereabouts, especially when travelling or going out at night, keep phones fully charged and easily accessible at all

Unidentified Caucasian man retrieved from sea

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a middleaged Caucasian man whose lifeless body was retrieved from the Grace Bay Beach area, floating in the sea.

On Tuesday, August 27, reports were made to 911 of what appeared to be someone floating in the sea at the Grace Bay Beach area in Providenciales.

The Marine Unit immediately responded to the location and retrieved an unresponsive Caucasian male. Police said the man, who appeared to be in his mid to late forties, was transported to South Bank Marina for further assistance.

times.

Other troubling forms of violence against women within the territory are those committed in domestic partnerships, which have continued to rise over the years.

In 2023, the Department reported a steady rise in intimate partner violence: in 2020, the department received nine reports; in 2021, that number surged to 32 reports; in 2022, it decreased to 17, and in 2023 the department had before the end of the year already received nearly 50 reports.

No statistics have so far been provided for 2024.

In December 2021, the Domestic Violence Ordinance 2015, a

landmark piece of legislation in the TCI came into force, enhancing the protection of persons who are survivors of domestic violence.

Previous legislation did not make provision for persons who are cohabiting to obtain a protection order, however, the 2015

Upon arrival at the Marina, the man was examined by a medical doctor, who pronounced him deceased.

The identity of the deceased remains unknown, and police said at this stage there is nothing to suggest any criminality, but they are pursuing various lines of enquiry to establish the full circumstances that may have led to his death.

Anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, Crime Stoppers on 1-8008477 or the Crime Stoppers P3 app to provide any information anonymously.

Nineteen-year-old Kaden

Lightbourne of Grand Turk appeared in the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 27, charged with the murder of Stavardo Talbot.

Police said Lightbourne was charged on Monday, August 26, by Officers of Grand Turk Criminal Investigations Department.

On August 4, at about 4:49pm police were alerted to a shooting near Parade Grounds by residents in the Back Salina community.

When officers arrived, they found Talbot’s motionless body,

with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Talbot – a resident of South Back Salina – was shot several times, by what reports indicated was a lone gunman.

When his alleged teenage killer appeared in court this week, he was not required to plead to the indictable offence. He was subsequently remanded to prison until October 4.

Last week, police reported that a seventeen-year-old male was also arrested in connection with Talbot’s murder, as well as Necal

legislation rectified that, providing greater protection for victims of domestic violence.

Residents who are in abusive domestic situations are urged to contact the department or the Royal TCI Police which has a dedicated unit for such matters.

Pierre’s who was also shot on August 4, shortly before Talbot. No update has been provided by police as to the status of the 17-year-old suspect, who was arrested on August 8.

Meanwhile, police said investigations into the murder are still continuing and anyone with additional information can contact them at the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or the Crime Stoppers P3 to provide any information anonymously.

Home Affairs Minister, Hon Otis Morris

Murder accused Kaden Lightbourne

Starvado Talbot was gunned down in broad daylight earlier this month

A Biblical approach to parental discipline

Discipline is often misunderstood, especially in today’s world, where the term brings to mind images of harsh punishment or abusive behaviour. However, when viewed through the lens of scripture, particularly in Hebrews 12:5-11, discipline is shown to be a form of loving correction and guidance. This passage emphasizes that discipline is not something to be feared or avoided but something to be embraced as part of the parenting process.

Hebrews 12:5-11 teaches us of God’s role as a loving Father who disciplines His children for their own good. “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:5-6). The passage continues by highlighting that discipline is a sign of legitimacy, evidence that we are God’s children. Just as God corrects us for our betterment, parents are called to lovingly discipline their children for their growth and character development.

UNDERSTANDING

GODLY

DISCIPLINE

Godly discipline isn’t about punishment or retaliation; it is about correction with the intention of fostering maturity. Hebrews 12:10 notes that God’s discipline is “for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness.” Similarly,

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.

parental discipline should aim to mold children’s character, helping them grow into responsible, respectful, and righteous adults. This type of discipline is not punitive but redemptive—it seeks to build up, not tear down.

The passage also teaches that discipline, though painful for a moment, yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). Parents must remember that while discipline may be uncomfortable or difficult at times, it is ultimately for the good of their children. Just as God’s discipline helps believers grow in faith, parental discipline shapes a child’s character and prepares them for the challenges of life.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO DISCIPLINE IN A GODLY MANNER

1. SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Like God’s laws provide guidance for His people, parents should set clear rules and expectations for their children. Establishing what

is acceptable behavior and what is not helps children understand boundaries. Consistency in enforcing these rules is key; children should know that there are consequences for their actions, both good and bad.

2.

DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE, NOT ANGER

The tone and motivation behind discipline are crucial. God disciplines out of love, never out of wrath. Parents should approach discipline calmly, ensuring that their actions stem from a desire to teach, not from frustration or anger. This reflects God’s patient and loving correction of His children.

3. TEACH THROUGH EXAMPLE

Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Parents should strive to model godly behaviour, showing patience, forgiveness, and humility in their own lives. When children witness their parents living out the values they are taught, discipline becomes more effective.

4. ENCOURAGE AND AFFIRM

Discipline should always be accompanied by encouragement. Just as God encourages His people to grow and be better, parents should offer affirmations alongside correction. Praise children when they demonstrate godly values or make positive choices. Encouragement builds their confidence and reinforces the desired behaviour.

5. USE CONSEQUENCES THAT TEACH

When children break the rules, the consequences should be natural and educational. For example, if a child forgets to complete a chore, they may lose a privilege. Such consequences teach responsibility without harsh punishment. The goal is to help children understand the impact of their actions, not to make them fearful of making mistakes.

Finally, remember that godly parenting aims to mould a child’s heart and not just change their

behaviour. This is crucial because when obedience is not rooted in the heart, it can lead to negative outcomes. As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” By nurturing the heart, parents can raise children who are motivated to do good out of genuine love for God rather than external pressures or the desire for recognition.

To achieve this, parents should model authentic faith, allowing their children to witness them praying, studying the Bible, and serving others. Additionally, having Gospel-centred conversations can help children reflect on their actions and understand how kindness, love, and peace reflect Christ’s heart. Encouraging godly spiritual habits like personal Bible reading, note-taking, and private worship can also instil a deep, personal connection with God. Finally, when parents praise godly character traits such as compassion, wisdom, and love, they reinforce the importance of these virtues, helping children see how their actions align with pleasing God. This approach not only guides behaviour but shapes the character and spiritual life of a child, fostering a heart that seeks to honour God in all things.

Remember this: discipline is not just about correcting wrong behaviour but guiding children towards righteousness and wisdom.

Back to school! Back to work!

This is the time of the year when the summer break and vacations come to an end. Teachers and students return to school while the parents and adult siblings return to work. This year appears to be an unprecedented year whereby many families are taking vacations and doing so in non-traditional places. Everybody deserves a break and should get some rest. However, breaks do not last forever, and you need to get to work to meet your financial and personal needs. Our children also need to be equipped with knowledge and one way to do so is by being in school.

Let me say this as parents we must accept that some of our children will decide not to go to college or university and that is ok. However, I do believe that every child must have a foundation in education so that they will

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.

be equipped with the necessary knowledge to survive and to succeed. I encourage our education department to consider the concept of experiential learning. Experiential learning is a process of learning whereby students are introduced to the subjects in reallife scenarios, and they not only observe the areas of the subjects, but they also gain experience and an understanding by a hands-on

approach. In addition, we should consider implementing financial literacy, culinary arts and technical subjects very early in the life of a student.

Students stay focused but also have a balanced school life. Get involved in community and extracurricular activities. I know sometimes it feels like you are in school forever, but you are not. Learn as much as you can using

various sources of information.

Accept that you are unique and so do not compare yourself to anyone. If you do not understand something, ask questions or do research.

I challenge you today as you return to work, do a self-assessment and review your last appraisal and try your best to improve on your weaknesses. If you did not have an appraisal, then ask for one or have a conversation with your supervisor about your performance.

Be kind to the external and internal customers. Lead by example. If you are an employee, work and act as if you are the employer. Be happy at your job. If you are unhappy, then maybe that is not the job for you. You must enjoy what you do. Remember to be confidential. You see and you do not see. You hear and you do not

hear. Of course, if it is a legal issue, it is a different situation. Give your employee his or her full hours of work. If you come late, leave late. Do not be on your phone or other gadgets while at work. Sometimes we do not like the fact that some companies have a no mobile phone policy but sometimes it is necessary. It is unfair for someone to be on the phone doing something else when they should use that time to fulfil their working hours.

I know some of you wish you did not have to be in school or even work but it is something that is necessary. Back to work! Back to school! Back to reality! Being in school and at work can be a challenge from time to time. You can overcome any challenge through prayer, belief and a positive attitude.

Experience TCI launches local campaign across family islands

Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce the launch of our local marketing campaign under the theme ‘Rooted in Community, Growing Together’ aimed at developing a closer relationship with local communities.

The campaign also aims to create awareness of the Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMMO) and the work it does.

“It has been one year since Experience Turks and Caicos was established and while the team has been working assiduously to promote brand Turks and Caicos in our source markets, they have also been focused on building the brand here at home,” Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly said in statement on Thursday (August 29).

Several community meetings have been across the TCI, with local representatives appointed in in North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos, and Salt Cay in an effort to build relationships with local communities.

“This local campaign will further enhance the relationship between Experience Turks and Caicos and our stakeholders and communities,” the Minister said.

The campaign will comprise many activities among them social media posts showcasing the individual stories of tourism

stakeholders who benefit from our initiatives, short video reels showcasing our staff, advertisements and press releases in our newspapers, magazine articles, billboard ads, appearances on radio talk shows, meetings with businesses and stakeholders across the islands, school tours and more.

Also speaking on the campaign was Trina Adams, Chief Marketing Officer of Experience Turks and Caicos.

“By emphasising our organisation’s pillars of inclusive

growth, sustainable development, and enhanced competitiveness, the campaign will establish Experience Turks and Caicos as a vital player in shaping the islands socio-economic and environmental landscape.”

Adams said the theme ‘Rooted in Community, Growing Together’ speaks to that mission.

“We recognise that to grow our tourism industry we need to work together with our communities, we need to support them and to collaborate with them.”

POURING OF THE NEW OIL #2 – PRAYER

Blessings my beloved

Cleansing ourselves first. Breaking, Busting and Abolishing...Chains OFF our Beautiful Country.

Circles that became cycles that was sent to destroy the growth and prosperity of our people.

Spells, potions and curses planted in our soils under trees and plants.

GOD we root, pull down and dig them up sending back to SENDER. Words spoken, prayers, chants and other curses back to SENDER

Altars and thrones that was erected to make Turks and Caicos Islands and other countries subservient to them.

We smash them with the hammers and sledges of God’s Divine Powers and Might.

Breaking asunder every diabolical force, word, thought, action, deed, transaction,, bill of sale against or on our country In the Mighty Name of Yeshua the Messiah...

THE HEALING OF OUR TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, SOIL, STREETS and SOULS.

To eradicate.... the Invasion on Our Beautiful by Nature country and senseless killings of our young men and women.

Fight for power rule us in our own lands, demonic sicknesses in the body and illness of the mind, jealousy, curses, anger, erected

altars and evil substances that are been planted in our soil, that will kill out the indigenous Turks and Caicos Islanders ..

Ephesians 6:11-13.

Putting on the whole Armour of God. For we wrestle not against flesh or blood, but principalities, powers, rulers of darkness. Spiritual wickedness in high places.

Let’s gird ourselves so we are able to Stand.

Date: 30th, August 2024

Time: 5am

Venue: Streets and grounds of our islands

For more Info: Prophet Marelyn Harvey on 1 649 342 5960

A life lesson from the great

Alexander the Great, if you have forgotten who he is, was a king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He became king at 20 years old after his father, Philip II died. During his reign, Alexander led a long series of military campaigns across Western Asia, Central Asia, parts of South Asia, and Egypt. By the time he was 30, he had built one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. Known for never losing a battle, he is considered one of the greatest military leaders in history. But that is not the only thing he is remembered for.

ON HIS DEATHBED, ALEXANDER THE

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

GREAT SUMMONED HIS GENERALS AND TOLD THEM HIS THREE ULTIMATE WISHES:

1. The best doctors should carry his coffin;

2. The wealth he has accumulated (money, gold, precious stones, etc.) should

be scattered along the procession to the cemetery; and

3. His hands should be let loose, hanging outside the coffin for all to see!

One of his generals, who was surprised by these unusual requests, asked Alexander to explain.

Here are 6 things Alexander the Great had to say:

1. I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that, in the face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal.

2. I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on Earth, stays on Earth.

3. I want my hands to swing in the wind, so that people understand that we come to this world empty-handed and leave this world emptyhanded after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted, and that is TIME.

4. We do not take to our grave

any material wealth, although our good deeds can be our travelers’ cheques. TIME is our most precious treasure because it is limited. We can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time.

5. When we give someone our time, we give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time is our life!

6. So my dear, the best present that you can give to your family and friends, is your TIME. May God grant you plenty of TIME and may you have the wisdom to give it away so that you can LIVE, LOVE and DIE in peace.

Share your thoughts, if you care at louisedens@gmail.com or on IG: daviid.l2

Prophet Marelyn Harvey

Chief Marketing Officer of Experience Turks and Caicos, Ms Trina Adams

Is this economy working for you?

In recent years, the widening gap between economic prosperity and the struggles of the average person has become impossible to ignore. While corporations report record profits and the government boast about surplus after surplus, many families find themselves grappling with the harsh realities of everyday life. Rising costs of living, stagnant wages that do not keep up with inflation, and an ever-increasing burden of debt have created an environment where prosperity in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) feels like a distant memory.

The financial strain on everyday people is getting worse. Each month, thousands of households face the daunting task of balancing their finances. Rent and mortgage payments consume a significant portion of their income, leaving little room for essentials like groceries, healthcare, and education. A recent small random survey of average working TCIs revealed that nearly 60% would struggle to cover an unexpected $300 expense. This statistic highlights a deeper issue: the fragility of financial security for the average person.

Inflation continues to erode buying power, making it harder to afford basic necessities. Gas prices fluctuate unpredictably, and grocery bills have surged, forcing families to make tough choices about what to buy and what to go without.

The burden of loans from banks and other financial companies with insanely high interest rates, along with continuous medical expenses, weighs heavily on TCI families, many of whom feel trapped in a cycle of financial instability that is causing widespread stress. I also spoke with a cross-section of persons near retirement age, private and public sector workers, who have expressed that they are not able to retire. Higher interest rates have significantly increased their monthly mortgage payments, while their salaries remain stagnant. The fear of losing home ownership post-retirement is real.

As these pressures mount, feelings of hopelessness are spreading across communities.

Reports of mental health struggles are on the rise, although they are often underreported. Many people feel overwhelmed by their financial situations.

This despair is not just economic; it affects social interactions and community ties, leading to a general sense of disillusionment with our political system, and causing some to buy into the false narrative that all politicians and political parties are the same.

People are questioning whether their voices matter in a system that seems to prioritise the interests of big business over the welfare of its people. Cries for help are met with silence from the government, promises made during the last election campaign have been

PPP reclamation effort targets informal settlements

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In an effort to combat the escalating issue of informal settlements, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) reclamation initiative has successfully restored private land to its rightful owner in Lower Bight Road, Providenciales.

This operation, which took place on August 21, 2024, resulted in the removal of four unlawfully erected structures and underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the complex challenges posed by these settlements.

The reclamation effort was the culmination of a meticulously planned process initiated by the landowner, who sought assistance from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) and the Planning Department, the government said

in a press statement this week.

On April 10, 2024, the Planning Department issued 41 Enforcement Notices, leading to the voluntary dismantling of most structures. However, four structures remained non-compliant, necessitating their removal.

“Collaboration among the government, private entities, and citizens is critical for the management of informal settlements in the TCI,” asserted Justice Carlos Simons, KC, Strategic Lead of the ISU, emphasising the significance of the joint effort.

The operation involved the coordinated efforts of the Planning Department, the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, the Informal Settlements Unit, The Crown Land Unit, and the Royal

quickly forgotten, leaving many feeling that their efforts are futile.

The notion that hard work leads to success has become increasingly elusive, and the promise of upward mobility feels like a cruel joke.

However, in this bleak landscape, there is a flicker of hope on the horizon. As we approach the next elections, the opportunity for change is near. A new government, one that prioritises the needs of the man on the streets over big business, could bring a renewed sense of optimism.

As a candidate, I am focused on implementing policies that address wage stagnation, affordable housing, crime and border security, healthcare and immigration reform, the full implementation of e-government and true prosperity for all TCIs. These well-thoughtout policies and programs resonate deeply with a populace weary of empty promises. It is time to think big and act boldly for our people and our country.

The possibility of a government that truly represents the interests of its people will soon be realised.

By voting for candidates who prioritize economic reform and social equity, you can reclaim your dreams and begin to rebuild your lives. Your power as a voter cannot be underestimated; it has the potential to reshape our economy into one that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. That is why my plan to designate certain sectors of the economy

for TCIs only is so important. Under my plan, specific sectors of the economy will be exclusively owned and operated by Turks and Caicos Islanders. This means that all shares, business licenses, company assets, bank accounts, and profits will be 100% TCI-owned.

Under this plan, expatriates would be limited to acting solely as financiers, offering loans to TCIowned companies without holding any ownership stakes.

This approach will address the challenge of access to capital for TCIs, which has been one of the biggest hurdles to locals starting, operating, and expanding their businesses.

It will promote greater local business ownership and growth.

My plan will also be the final solution to “fronting,” which has historically undermined the efforts of successive governments.

As we stand at this crossroads, let us harness our frustrations and channel them into a movement for change. Together, we can create a future where financial security is not a luxury but a right for all. It is time to turn the tide and reclaim the narrative of hope for the average man and woman in our society. The journey may be long, but with determination and unity, a brighter economic future is within reach. It’s time for TCIs!

From the Desk of Sean Astwood

Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, with the landowner playing an active role.

This decisive action comes as the islands grapple with the rapid proliferation of informal settlements, characterized by substandard living conditions and inadequate infrastructure. These settlements pose significant health, environmental, and social risks, prompting the government to establish the ISU to find sustainable solutions.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, in a recent discussion on the issue, acknowledged the long-standing challenge of political immigration, which has contributed to the growth of informal settlements. He emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the

issue comprehensively, balancing legal enforcement with empathy for affected residents.

“The informal settlement [unit] is meant to address adequate housing, affordable housing, social housing, environmental remediation, all of those things,” stated Premier Misick, outlining the ISU’s broad mandate.

While concerns have been raised about the potential displacement of residents, he assured that the government is dedicated to protecting the rights

of TCIslanders. He highlighted ongoing efforts to provide housing solutions, including a $20m allocation for a Mortgage Corporation to facilitate affordable housing options.

The recent reclamation effort serves as a testament to the government’s resolve in tackling the informal settlement crisis, signalling a proactive approach towards reclaiming land and restoring order while working towards sustainable solutions for affected communities.

Sean Astwood

Law enforcement officials on the scene during the reclamation exercise (Photo TCIG)

EXPERIENCE TURKS AND CAICOS D EDICATED TO DEVELOPING THE TOURISM INDUSTRY FOR ALL

As the Destination Management and Marketing Organisation of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Experience Turks and Caicos is poised to lead the Turks and Caicos Islands into a new era of tourism excellence.

By focusing on sustainable tourism development, community engagement across all of the islands, data collection, and product enhancement, the organisation is committed to building a vibrant and resilient tourism industry that benefits both visitors and residents.

Our strategic plans will ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a top destination for travelers seeking unparalleled beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences.

Established in June 2023, Experience Turks and Caicos, a public/private partnership, is based on three key pillars - Sustainable Development, Inclusive Growth and Competitiveness.

Through Sustainable Development, Experience Turks and Caicos will ensure the protection and enhancement of all tourism assets and benefits for residents and visitors alike. Based on this pillar, we will establish national and international partnerships that will encourage the private, public, and civil sectors work together to make the tourism industry more sustainable and beneficial to all.

As we market the Turks and Caicos Islands as a multi-island destination, Experience Turks and Caicos is seeking to ensure that all communities benefit from the tourism industry. Inclusive Growth speaks to that mission. Tourism is the main industry, the lifeblood and heartbeat of this country and as we invite visitors

to explore our islands, we are expanding, improving and diversifying our products to reap maximum spend and improve the livelihoods of all.

While the Turks and Caicos is one of the top premier luxury destinations in the Caribbean, we cannot rest on our laurels. Staying competitive requires us to collaborate and seek partnerships with stakeholders to ensure the product we offer remains at a quality one for the affluent, high-end market we target. Our competitiveness is a key pillar to the survival and continued success of our tourism industry.

To stay true to these pillars, here are just some initiatives that Experience Turks and Caicos will undergo this year.

• Local Campaign: “Rooted in Community, Growing Together” is the slogan of Experience Turks and Caicos local campaign designed to foster and develop a close relationship between the DMMO and communities around the Turks and Caicos Islands. The campaign will include school visits, revival of tourism clubs in schools, showcasing of local entrepreneurs and artisans and the celebration of national heroes.

• Community Connect Meetings: Experience Turks and Caicos launched its community meetings in North and Middle Caicos in April and will continue in the other islands as well with tourism stakeholders. The meetings aim to educate everyone about the organisation, plans and to understand the needs of the tourism stakeholders and where we can provide support.

• Exquisite Turks and Caicos: Through our Strategic Development Unit, we are seeking to develop

immersive experiences for our visitors. We will be working with businesses in the tourism sector to enhance their offerings through grants up to $5000 to assist them with the development needed.

• Product Development: From hashtag signs and the enhancement of trails to the creation of new products and the promotion of the weekly Fish Fry, we will be working closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure there are products to draw visitors around the islands.

• Collaboration with stakeholders: Forging strategic partnerships with airlines, travel agents, tour operators, and international tourism organisations will expand reach and attract more visitors. By working together with industry stakeholders, the organisation will create compelling travel packages, promote special offers, and participate in global tourism events and trade shows. These partnerships will also help stay informed about industry trends and best practices, ensuring that strategies remain relevant and effective.

• Data Collection: As a SMART DMO, Experience Turks and Caicos has invested in cutting edge data management platforms that will enable us to curate necessary and crucial data to guide the industry and inform marketing efforts.

• Event Sponsorship: To strengthen our relationship with the local community, Experience Turks and Caicos will support events across the nation. To date we have sponsored the Valentine’s Day Cup in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Regatta, the Sunkiss Festival, Rake and Scrape Festival and Best of the Best Festival.

Tinea capitis (ring worm) on the scalp

INTRODUCTION

Since I have been in Providenciales, I have seen quite a few cases of this topic. It is also quite common where I am from. Tinea capitis also known as “ringworm of the hair”, “ringworm of the scalp”, “scalp ringworm,” is a skin fungal infection of the scalp. Endemic in many countries, the disease is primarily caused by dermatophytes (group of fungi that cause superficial infections) in the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum that invade the hair shaft.

Tinea capitis occurs primarily in children between 3 and 14 years of age, but it might affect any age group, more often boys than girls. The fungus can exist in a carrier state on the scalp, without the display of symptoms/’ringworm.’

CONTAMINATION

It is a contagious disease! Spread is thought to occur through direct contact with affected individuals. Large outbreaks have been known to occur in schools and other places where children are in close quarters; however, indirect spread through contamination with infected objects for example barber clippers or brush, may also be a factor in the spread of infection.

SYMPTOMS

There are three type of tinea capitis: microsporosis, trichophytosis, and favus; these are based on the causative microorganism, and the nature of the symptoms.

In microsporosis, the lesion is a small red bump around a hair shaft that later becomes scaly; eventually

the hairs break off 1–3 mm above the scalp. Children present with single or multiple patches of hair loss, sometimes with a ‘black dot’ pattern (often with broken-off hairs), that may be accompanied by inflammation, scaling, pustules, and itching. It may appear as thickened, scaly, and sometimes boggy swellings, or as expanding raised red rings (ringworm). Common symptoms are severe itching of the scalp, dandruff, and bald patches where the fungus has rooted itself in the skin.

PREVENTION

Parents need to be educated about prevention! The easiest method of

preventing tinea capitis is avoiding situations where the patient can acquire it from another person or animal. Health care professionals should coordinate as a team across disciplines in identifying the condition, treating, and tracking down the source of contamination. Also children should be instructed not to share caps, hairbrushes, and combs. Pillows, as well as bed linens, should be washed thoroughly. The fungi responsible for tinea capitis can live for long periods. Hair equipment needs to be cleaned and also disinfected or replaced altogether.

TREATMENT

Treatment of tinea capitis requires an oral antifungal agent. The majority of patients are first seen by the pediatrician, nurse practitioner, or primary care provider. The key is prompt diagnosis and initiating oral therapy. Otherwise it will continue to spread all over the scalp! Follow up is essential to ensure cure. All household contacts should be screened for tinea capitis. Asymptomatic individuals should be treated; otherwise, the cycle of transmission will continue. The use of antifungal or selenium shampoo is recommended for 2 to 4 weeks. Teachers should be educated on tinea capitis and place infected children away from other healthy

children. The sharing of personal care products should be avoided.

CONCLUSION

Tinea capitis is a very common infection in children and easily acquired. The best way to prevent and treat tinea capitis is with a professional team. Oral antifungal agents are the treatments of choice. Working as a team and eliminating sources of contamination helps reduce the morbidity of this condition, and helps to prevent complications.

Dr Guirlene Nicolas Pediatrician

Located at Carolina Clinic PH: (649) 946-4367

Higgs vows to transform TCI with ambitious agenda

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Ralph Higgs, a seasoned Turks, and Caicos Islands politician has launched his bid for the upcoming general election, promising a sweeping transformation of the islands under the banner of “real prosperity for all.”

With a quarter-century of public service, Higgs, a stalwart of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), unveiled a comprehensive platform targeting key issues across the archipelago.

“I have been tried and tested, and I have never wavered nor reneged on my pledge to serve our country professionally and honestly at home and abroad,” Higgs declared in a statement on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, emphasising his unwavering commitment to the islands.

Higgs’s vision includes

attracting private investment and developing infrastructure in South Caicos, and fostering growth and security in North and Middle Caicos.

“In Grand Turk, we will develop it to a stature befitting our nation’s capital,” Higgs asserted. He outlined plans to review the contract with Carnival, advocate for international airlift, encourage private investment in hotel development, and construct a modern stadium.

For South Caicos, Higgs pledged to “vigorously pursue private sector-driven inward investments and allocate government resources to develop and expand infrastructure.” He also emphasised investment in the fishing sector and the transformation of the local economy into a more service-based model.

He further highlighted his

experience in both the private and public sectors.

Higgs who served as Director of Tourism for many years, as a Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos, and as Minister of Tourism for four years said: “As Director of Tourism, working with a professional and capable team alongside private sector stakeholders, we positioned the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premium boutique destination.”

“I led the Tourist Board with vision, discipline, and purpose, fully aware and respectful that tourism is the bedrock of our country’s economy.”

Higgs also addressed the challenges faced by the Turks and Caicos Islands during his time in office, including Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With no precedent to follow, we successfully guided our country through that very dark period,” Higgs said of the pandemic.

“The TCIG was commended regionally for its management of the pandemic, and as a result, we were among the first to reopen our borders.”

Higgs also pledged to invest in infrastructure, education, and small business development in Providenciales.

“I am ready to work for you and champion real prosperity for all Turks and Caicos Islanders,” Higgs concluded.

With the upcoming general election in the Turks and Caicos Islands scheduled for 2025. Higgs’s ambitious agenda and extensive experience position him as a formidable contender in the race to shape the future of the islands.

Dr Guirlene Nicolas

revitalising Grand Turk to reflect its status as the nation’s capital,

Ralph Higgs

Experience Turks and Caicos UK roadshow declared a resounding success

In a bid to bolster its presence in the UK market, Experience Turks and Caicos recently concluded a highly successful roadshow, leaving a lasting impression on the luxury travel sector.

The event, held from July 27th to August 2nd, 2024, spanned Twyford, The Cotswolds, and Birmingham, and was spearheaded by Chair Mr Alvin Hegner and Ms Victoria Cranmer.

The roadshow’s primary objective was to equip and invigorate travel professionals, ensuring they possess the knowledge and enthusiasm to effectively promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to the UK market.

By fostering a deeper understanding of the islands’ unique offerings, Experience Turks and Caicos aims to drive increased bookings and broaden the range of stays to encompass the captivating sister islands, the agency said in a recent statement following the conclusion of the roadshow.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly, emphasised the significance of the UK market, stating, “The UK market is a very important market for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we have seen an increase in visitors from that market and Europe this year.

She added: “There is a lot of opportunity for us to increase

our brand in the market, and developing a close relationship with luxury travel advisors is key to that.”

Mr Hegner echoed this sentiment, highlighting the roadshow’s success in attracting interest from luxury travel advisors, the brand’s target audience.

He noted, “The training with tour operators, travel advisors, reservations and marketing teams was well-received, and being able to network with celebrities and prominent businesspeople...was essential to our brand exposure.”

The roadshow featured a series of engaging activities, including a golf day in partnership with Luxury

Travel Partner Inspirational Travel Company (ITC) and the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Course. This event drew notable figures such as footballer Clayton Blackmore, cricketer Matthew Hoggard MBE, and actors Paul Jones and Danny Walters, further amplifying the brand’s reach.

Other highlights included an afternoon tea with tour operator Destinology, a wine-tasting experience at Stanlake Park Vineyard, and a 24-hour Travel Agent Retreat in The Cotswolds, showcasing the islands’ allure to luxury travel agents in partnership with tour operator Caribtours.

Training sessions provided indepth insights into hotel partners such as The Sands, The Palms, and The Shore Club.

Wymara Resorts and Villas,

COMO Parrot Cay and Beaches were among the hotel partners supporting the Roadshow.

In addition to their reservations staff, Destinology brought in a number of their homeworkers for the event and Experience Turks and Caicos were also joined by their marketing teams. A wine tasting experience took place in the affluent village of Twyford in the borough of Wokingham in Berkshire at Stanlake Park Vinyard, and a 24hour Travel Agent Retreat. With its resounding success, the Experience Turks and Caicos UK Roadshow has undoubtedly strengthened the islands’ position in the UK luxury travel market, paving the way for increased bookings and a broader appreciation of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ unparalleled beauty and offerings.

Social welfare partners with Haitian radio stations on child safety

The Department of Social Development and Welfare recently conducted a series of radio interviews on popular Haitian stations in the Turks and Caicos Islands highlighting child safeguarding issues.

The department in a statement on Thursday, said the initiative is part of their ongoing commitment to collaborating closely with the Haitian community and other diverse communities throughout the islands to provide essential education and information on child safeguarding.

In addition to disseminating critical information, the interviews were also designed to pave the way for stronger working relationships, break down barriers, and build trust within the Haitian community.

The initiative also marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind, demonstrating

the department’s dedication to engaging with all communities on critical issues.

While the series of interviews is a significant achievement, it is only the beginning, they promised.

They said they will continue to explore innovative ways to engage and educate the public on ways to safeguard children.

Guided by the slogan ‘No Community Left Behind: Each One, Teach One, One Community at a Time,’ they said they are dedicated to ensuring that every community is actively engaged and well-informed about child safeguarding.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the Haitian radio stations for their invaluable partnership and look forward to continued collaboration in our shared mission to safeguard the children of our community.”

Experience Turks and Caicos Acting CEO Mr Alvin Hegner played a round of golf at The Belfry with UK partners ITC, their private clients and celebrities such as Tony Jacklin and English Actor Danny Walters

Mr Alvin Hegner and Ms Victoria Cranmer (left) with travel advisors from tour operator partner Destinology. A core mission of the Roadshow was to train and educate travel advisors about the Turks and Caicos Islands

Summer

FortisTCI spotlights youth-led perspectives in another successful energy roundtable

FortisTCI continues to amplify youth voices in energy matters through its fourth annual Youth Energy Roundtable, held on August 15, 2024, at its Providenciales headquarters.

Six college and university students from the Company’s annual Student Summer Employment Program (SSEP) took centre stage in researchdriven panel discussions alongside FortisTCI energy experts as part of their capstone project.

Keynote speaker Dimaggio Rigby, a Cyber Insurance Market Consultant and TCI Financial Services Board Commissioner, inspired attendees with his journey to becoming an international expert under the theme, “Local Roots, Global Heights: Navigating A World of Opportunity”.

The event was live streamed to the Company’s Facebook page, and started with an informative discussion with panellists Rashante Garland and Asha Adams, alongside FortisTCI energy expert Don Forsyth, Vice President of Engineering, Energy Production and Delivery. The trio provided insights on ‘Natural Gas as a Bridge to a Clean Energy Future,’ highlighting its role in energy transition strategies, especially for small island developing countries.

In another panel discussion, students Kadrique Williams and Shanaz Gardiner delved into ‘Solar Energy and The Land Footprint’ with support from Melissa LeBlanc, Manager of Renewable Energy and Demand Side Management at FortisTCI. The discussion explored the complexities of balancing limited

land availability with the growing need for renewable energy sources.

The final panel, led by students Darion Ingham and Isabel Williams, delved into ‘The Importance of System Planning and Timely Investments in Critical Infrastructure in High-Growth Environments.’ Devon Cox, Senior Vice President of Operations at FortisTCI, was the energy expert supporting the discussion. The panelists emphasized how governments and business leaders responsible for critical infrastructure must balance current demands with future needs and modernize aging infrastructure to keep pace with population and economic growth.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes highlighted the importance of these youthdriven conversations as the energy landscape changes, stating, “Engaging with our young people is essential to our energy transition journey. The steps we take today will affect future generations. Their insights and research-driven contributions shed light on the challenges and considerations that should remain at the forefront of our minds and the solutions that could help us navigate these areas as we transition.” She continued, “We are committed to investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators who will help build a sustainable future for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Programs like the Youth Energy Roundtable, our Apprenticeship Programme, and incoming Youth Energy Ambassador Programme, add immense value to the personal and professional development of our students.”

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes

FortisTCI

Student Employment Program (SSEP) participants Asha Adams, Shanaz Gardiner and Kadrique Williams, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, Cyber Insurance Market Consultant and keynote speaker, Dimaggio Rigby, SSEP participants Darion Ingham, Rashante Garland and Isabel Williams

Regional News

Haitian and Kenyan police try to oust gangs from a rough part of Haiti’s capital

The announcement that Haiti’s military wanted recruits crackled through a small radio perched on a street stall in downtown Port-auPrince where Maurenceley Clerge repairs and sells smartphones.

It was early morning, and the 21-year-old paused, eager to hear the details. He envisioned earning enough to afford his own food and rent. Two weeks later, he completed the required paperwork and stood in line with hundreds of other Haitians under a brutal sun for the chance to join up.

“It’s the moment I have been waiting for,” said Clerge, who stays with a friend who also provides him with food. “I want to serve as a citizen of this country and also to move up and upgrade my life.”

Thousands of young Haitians are jumping at the chance to become soldiers as widespread gang violence creates a rare job opportunity in a deeply impoverished country where work is scarce. Brushing aside the possibility they could be kidnapped, tortured or killed, Haiti’s youngest generation is answering the call of a government seeking to rebuild a once-reviled military, reinstated just years ago with the aim to crush gangs.

“I thought about it a lot because I know that being a soldier requires a lot of sacrifice,” said Samuel Delmas, who recently applied. “Everything that you’re doing is risky.”

The 20-year-old is taking computer repair courses but

doesn’t have a job. He heard about the recruitment via a Facebook group.

“I have always wanted to be useful to my country,” he said.

Gangs forced Delmas and his family to flee their home two years ago, with only enough time to grab a handful of clothes amid a barrage of gunfire.

“I want to protect citizens who are on the run like me,” he said.

‘Most young kids are not working’

Haiti’s government has not said how many soldiers it aims to hire nor how many have applied so far, but documents published online by the Defense Ministry show that at least 3,000 people were selected in mid-August and asked to submit documents as they await physical and mental tests.

If all were hired, that would more than double the force strength of 2,000 of early last year.

About 60% of Haiti’s population of nearly 12 million people earn less than $2 a day, with inflation soaring to double digits in recent years.

“Most young kids are not working,” said Emerson Celadon, a 25-year-old mechanic who applied and was selected for the next round. “I was making some money, but … that is still not enough for a family of four.”

It’s not clear how much soldiers earn, Defense Minister Jean-Marc Bernier Antoine did not return messages for comment. However, Celadon said friends in the army

Guyana: Three boys secure 23 Grade One passes at CSEC exams

Three boys secured 23 Grade One passes at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, the highest for the South American country.

The top performers are: Rudranauth Sankar of the Anna Regina Secondary School, Dave Chowtie of Queen’s College, and Pradesh Dwarka also of the Anna Regina Secondary School.

Sankar wrote 24 subjects and

Flashback to 2022: New members of the Armed Forces of Haiti celebrate after their graduation ceremony in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

told him they make about $300 a month.

On a recent afternoon, Celadon joined hundreds of mostly young men lined up outside a former U.N. base, a yellow envelope under his arm, waiting to take the first of several required tests to join the army.

A DARK PAST

Haiti’s armed forces were once widely feared and hated, with soldiers accused of horrific human rights abuses. The military organized several coups in the second half of the 20th century, even after so-called “dictator for life” François Duvalier diluted its strength.

After the last coup in 1991, to oust former President JeanBertrand Aristide, the government disbanded the armed forces in 1995. At the time, there were some 7,000 soldiers.

“The decision to demobilize the army … proved to be one of the most catastrophic decisions in the country’s history,” said

Michael Deibert, the author of two books about Haiti. He noted that, as a result, the first generation of politically-aligned gangs took root in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

“They stepped into a security void left by what would have been a security force, one whose role the Haitian police have never been fully able to assume,” Deibert said.

After the army was disbanded, the government created the Haitian National Police and the Coast Guard, which were bolstered by the arrival of U.N. troops. Once the U.N. ended its peacekeeping operations, the army was reinstated in 2017 by President Jovenel Moïse, who was assassinated in July 2021.

Since then, the military has played a small role in fighting gangs and protecting top government officials. But as gang violence surged in the years following Moïse’s killing, former Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced in March 2023 that he would mobilize all security forces. At the time, the armed forces had some

2,000 soldiers who were trained by experts in Mexico, Colombia and Argentina.

Despite the announcement, the military’s role continued to take a back seat to police until recently.

A NEW ARMY

Gen. Derby Guerrier was sworn in as the new armed forces chief on Aug. 20, just days after a massive recruitment for new soldiers ended. “Close ranks!” he ordered soldiers and officers during a brief but energetic speech as he demanded that they help Haiti restore peace.

More than 3,200 killings have been reported across Haiti from January to May, with gang violence leaving more than half a million people homeless in recent years, according to the U.N.

In coordinated attacks earlier this year, gangs seized control of more than two dozen police stations, closed down the main international airport for nearly three months and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons, releasing thousands of inmates.

scored 23 Grade One passes and 1 Grade Two pass; Chowtie wrote 29 subjects and got 23 Grade One passes and 6 Grade Two passes; and Dwarka wrote 26 subjects and scored 23 Grade One passes and 3 Grade Two passes.

The results were announced by Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Tuesday.

Several other persons passed over 20 subjects in the CARICOM nation. (News Room)

The three boys were from the Anna Regina Secondary School and Queen’s College

Regional

Shark attack claims life of 16-year-old in Jamaica

Sixteen-year-old William Knibb Memorial High School student Jahmari Reid is suspected to have been killed during a shark attack at sea while he was spearfishing off the coast in Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica on Monday afternoon.

His mutilated body, with head and a hand missing, was fished from sea early Tuesday morning.

His parents, Michael Reid and Levern Robinson were inconsolable when they received the news that the their son’s ravaged body was found in the sea, in the vicinity of the Falmouth All Age School.

The boy lived with his mother in the Race Course section of Falmouth, the police who are investigating disclosed.

The student’s mother was overcome with grief and had to be taken to hospital to seek medical attention. His father also openly

wept over the gruesome death.

The fishermen, who recovered the body from the sea off the coast of the fishing village in northwest Jamaica disclosed that they encountered a large shark as they sought to remove the body from the water.

A massive crowd gathered at the fishing village where the covered body remained in a boat under the watchful eyes of police until the arrival of undertakers.

The fishermen also said it was the first time they heard of a deadly shark attack in the area.

“I have been fishing for years and this never happened in Falmouth. If you are spearfishing and you have a string of fish and a shark start circling let go of the string and give him,” advised the seasoned fisher.

Jahmari would have started 11th grade when school reopens in September. (Loopnews)

In Jamaica: Soldier gunned down in fiery exchange in downtown Kingston

A soldier has died as a result of injuries sustained during a shooting incident along Charles Street and Chestnut Lane in Kingston early Friday morning.

Reports are that about 1:25 am, members of the military were on foot patrol duties in the Charles Street and Chestnut Lane area when they saw a group of suspicious men travelling on foot.

The soldiers went in pursuit of the men, who reportedly opened gunfire at them. It is reported that the soldiers took evasive action and returned fire.

The Bahamas: Government in talks to sell four-star hotel

Six years after it acquired the 542room Grand Lucayan resort, the Bahamas government says it has held talks with a prospective buyer for the four-star facility.

Prime Minister Philip Davis has confirmed the meeting with the prospective buyer for the Grand Bahama tourist plant, telling reporters “I’m here today again fighting for Grand Bahamians, trying to ensure that I unlock the

potential of the Grand Lucayan properties and the associated golf courses”.

“Right now, we have nothing more to say, but just stay tuned,” he said, without disclosing the prospective buyer.

The property had been acquired under the Hubert Minnis administration from Hutchison Whampoa in August 2018 for US$65m. In November 2022, the

Davis administration said that a deal to sell the resort had collapsed.

The government had earlier announced that it had agreed to sell Grand Lucayan to Electra America Hospitality Ltd. for US$100 million.

The current government is seeking to sell off the property given that millions of dollars are spent annually to keep a portion of the resort operational. (Loopnews)

When the shooting subsided, one member of the military was found suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the left side of the face, according to the report.

The gunmen then made their escape on foot in the area.

The injured soldier was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and scenes of crime personnel are on location at the scene. (Jamaica Observer)

Jahmari would have been going into 11th grade when school reopens in September

The property had been acquired under the Hubert Minnis administration from Hutchison Whampoa in August 2018 for US$65m

The soldiers were in pursuit of suspicious men travelling on foot

Top Ukrainian pilot killed when US-made F-16 fighter jet crashed

A top Ukrainian pilot was killed when a US-made F-16 fighter jet crashed on Monday, just weeks after the long-awaited planes arrived in the country, a Ukrainian military source told CNN.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces do not believe pilot error was behind the incident, the source added.

Pilot Oleksiy Mes, known as “Moonfish,” was killed in the crash while “repelling the biggest ever aerial attack” by Russia against Ukraine, said the source, adding that the pilot was buried on Thursday.

The crash is being investigated and international experts will be invited to participate in the probe, the source added.

The General Staff of Ukraine’s army said later on Thursday that several F-16 jets were deployed alongside anti-aircraft missile units to fight the Russian attack.

“During the approach to the next target, communication with one of the aircraft was lost. As it turned out later, the plane crashed, the pilot died,” the General Staff said in the update.

The death of the pilot is a major blow for Ukraine. The first F-16s only arrived in the country earlier this month and Moonfish was one of the few pilots trained to fly them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr

Zelensky said on Tuesday that the Ukrainian Air Force used the F-16 to destroy missiles and drones launched by Russia on Monday, the first time any Ukrainian official confirmed the jets were being used in combat.

Kyiv waited a long time to get hold of the F-16s, and Zelensky has been asking its Western allies for the fighter jets since the start of the full-scale invasion.

But as with other equipment, Western countries hesitated before finally agreeing to provide F-16s. The Netherlands and Denmark pledged to provide them early summer in 2023, but it took another few weeks for the United States to green-light the transfer.

When they arrived earlier this summer, Zelensky said he and his government held “hundreds of meetings and negotiations” to secure the jets.

A group of Ukrainian pilots started their F-16 training in the US in the fall. While it can take years to get fully trained up to fly the planes, Moonfish and others had to do it in six months.

Ukraine is hoping the F-16 will give it a much-needed boost. The jets are multi-role: they can provide air cover for troops, attack ground targets, take on enemy planes and intercept missiles. With the right armament, F-16s could

The Ukrainian Defense Forces do not believe pilot error was behind the incident, the source added

deter Russian fighter-bombers from approaching the battlefield. Still, the jets are no silver bullet. Ukraine can use them to deny Russia control over the skies, but experts say their capabilities are inferior to the most modern Russian combat aircraft that would likely prevail in an air battle with the F-16.

MOONFISH: TOP PILOT WHO LOBBIED HARD FOR F-16

Moonfish and another pilot Andriy Pilshchikov, known by the call sign “Juice,” became the faces of Ukraine’s campaign to get the F-16s. It was an uphill battle, but Juice and Moonfish pulled through it together. They were young and

enthusiastic, spoke good English and were willing to fight to get the US jets into Ukrainian skies.

Flying the F-16 was their dream and when Juice died in a plane crash during a combat mission last August, Moonfish made it his goal to fulfill it.

Of the two, Moonfish was the quiet one: an aviation geek not keen on publicity. But when Juice died, Moonfish had to take his place. In a rare interview with CNN, he admitted that if Juice were alive, he’d be giving interviews.

A man of few words, passionate about his job, he had his emotions under control. A straight talker who knew everything about F-16s.

“Andriy was the ‘ideas man’

and the main driving force behind it all,” Moonfish said. “And I feel responsible to him for ensuring these planes arrive.”

Speaking to CNN while in training, he said it was necessary for him and other Ukrainian pilots to undergo a truncated version of the training. “We would have had a lot of time to study the jet completely in peacetime, but we do not have the time,” he said.

In a statement issued later on Thursday, the Ukrainian Air Force said Moonfish destroyed three cruise missiles and one attack drone on Monday, before he was killed in the crash. The air force said he was posthumously awarded the rank of colonel. (CNN)

Self-proclaimed healer found with 24 human skulls in Uganda

A Ugandan man allegedly found with 24 human skulls may have been using them for human sacrifice and could face life in prison, the police have told the BBC.

Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said the suspect, Ddamulira Godfrey, would be charged under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act.

Animal remains and skins were also found in Mr Godfrey’s shrine in the suburbs of the capital, Kampala.

Police are still searching Mr Godfrey’s shrine in the hopes of recovering more human remains.

“We are charging him first under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, which [prohibits] one being in possession of human body parts and instruments of human sacrifice,”

Mr Onyango said.

“If he is found guilty, he will serve life in prison.”

Mr Godfrey claims to be a traditional healer and herbalist. However, the country’s Traditional Healers’ Association has distanced itself from him.

This is not the first time such a shocking discovery has been made in Uganda in recent weeks.

Last month, police recovered 17 human skulls from a shrine in the central district of Mpigi, about 41km (25 miles) from Kampala.

Both discoveries have been linked to human sacrifice for ritual purposes.

Some people in many African countries believe that magic charms made from human body parts will bring them good luck, for example to become rich, or alternatively to curse their enemies. (BBC)

Trump adds ex-Democrats Gabbard and RFK Jr to transition team

Donald Trump has appointed Robert F Kennedy Jr and Tulsi Gabbard to his transition team, days after the two former Democrats endorsed his campaign.

Ms Gabbard is a former congresswoman and military veteran who ran to be the Democratic candidate for the presidency in 2020, before distancing herself from the party.

Mr Kennedy initially launched a bid to win the Democratic nomination this time around, but later ran as an independent before dropping out and endorsing Trump.

Meanwhile, more than 200 Republicans who served under previous presidents and party leaders have given their backing to Trump’s rival, Kamala Harris.

In an open letter, former staffers for George HW Bush and George W Bush, and Senators John McCain and Mitt Romney said another Trump administration would endanger American democracy.

The Republicans wrote: “Of course, we have plenty of honest, ideological disagreements with Vice President Harris and Gov Walz. That’s to be expected.

“The alternative, however, is simply untenable.”

TRANSITION TEAM

The Trump campaign said Ms Gabbard and Mr Kennedy would serve as honorary transition team

Ms Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump is the culmination of a remarkable political journey

co-chairs, along with Trump’s sons and running mate JD Vance.

Presidential transition teams kick into action when a candidate is elected. They help select political appointees and set priorities for the incoming administration.

Trump senior advisor Brian Hughes said that the endorsements of the two former Democrats show how the campaign was earning support “across partisan lines”.

“We look forward to having their powerful voices on the team as we work to restore America’s greatness,” he said in a statement.

On Monday, Trump welcomed Ms Gabbard, 43, to a stage in

Detroit, in the key swing state of Michigan.

Ms Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress from 2013 to 2021, quit the Democratic Party in 2022, complaining of its “wokeness”.

She appeared alongside Trump to commemorate US service personnel killed in an attack in Afghanistan three years prior, using it as an opportunity to criticise the Biden administration.

Thirteen US service members and more than 100 Afghans were killed during the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

The incident occurred as American troops made a chaotic withdrawal from the country, and the Taliban returned to power.

Ms Gabbard made frequent criticisms of US military interventionism during her time in Congress.

Appearing at Monday’s event in Michigan, Ms Gabbard said she was appealing to Democrats, Republicans and independents alike to pick Trump at the ballot box in November - saying it was a matter of “saving our country and serving the people”.

Her official backing of Trump marks the culmination of a

UK: Hospitality and health leaders clash on outdoor

Health experts have welcomed proposals for tougher regulations on outdoor smoking, but leading figures in the hospitality sector worry restrictions could hinder some businesses, particularly pubs.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government was looking at tougher outdoor smoking rules to help reduce the number of preventable deaths linked to tobacco use, and the burden on the NHS.

The details remain unclear, but if it goes ahead smoking could be banned in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants and outside hospital and sports grounds.

Hospitality sector leaders criticising plans have been joined by opposition politicians, who have described the proposals as over-regulation.

Any new ban would apply only to England. It is not yet clear if it would apply to the rest of the UK, though devolved governments could choose to bring in similar rules.

Dr Layla McCay from the NHS Confederation, which speaks on behalf of NHS organisations, said

Any new ban would apply only to England

it would reduce “huge problems” caused to both individuals and society from smoking.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that smoking was the leading cause of preventable illness in the UK.

“We are heartened to see that progress is being made,” Dr McCay added.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of the charity Action on Smoking and Health, said the public expected “not to have to breathe in tobacco smoke in places like

children’s play areas and seating areas outside pubs, restaurants and cafés”.

However, Ms Arnott said it was important smokers still had access to some outdoor areas to “smoke in the open air, rather than inside their homes”.

Those in the hospitality sector worry the ban will further hurt businesses.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which represents 20,000 pubs in the UK, said pub numbers had significantly

remarkable political journey over the last decade that began on the progressive left of the Democratic Party.

She was the first Hindu member of the US Congress, going on to serve as vice-chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee - before resigning to endorse the 2016 presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders.

When Ms Gabbard ran for president in 2020, she championed liberal issues like government-run healthcare, free college tuition and gun control.

But Joe Biden became the Democratic nominee that year, and went on to win the presidency. Ms Gabbard endorsed him, but quit the party two years later.

She has since staked out conservative views on issues including abortion and transgender rights, and has become a regular and outspoken guest on Fox News. She has also been accused of spreading “promoting Russian propaganda” by officials in Ukraine.

By early 2024, she was singing the praises of Mr Biden’s rival, Trump, who will this time compete for the White House against Ms Harris. In the subsequent months, it was even speculated that Ms Gabbard could be in the frame as Trump’s potential running mate for November - a role that ultimately went to Mr Vance. (BBC)

smoking plan

decreased because of factors including the Covid pandemic and energy crisis.

“This needs to be thought through very carefully before we damage businesses and economic growth and jobs,” Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade group UK Hospitality, told the Today programme.

Chief executive of Revolution Bars, Rob Pitchers, said he was not convinced smoking in beer gardens was “prevalent enough to be putting any strain at all on the NHS”.

But JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin said: “I don’t think it will have a big effect on our business, one way or another.”

Smaller pub owners share a different tale.

Pub landlady Lisa Burrage, 55, in Newland, Gloucestershire, said pubs should be able to choose whether or not to go smoke-free and “it is not up to the government to make that decision”.

“This will be just another hurdle we have to face in hospitality and one we can do without,” Ms

Burrage told the BBC.

Tony Harding, 57, a publican in Salisbury, said residents who live near his pub would probably not be happy if his punters began smoking and “blocking the pathway in the street, instead of [using] my nice comfortable garden”.

These concerns are echoed by opposition politicians.

Conservative leadership candidate Priti Patel said the proposals amounted to “nanny state regulation” that would be “economically damaging”.

Another Tory leadership candidate, Robert Jenrick, said: “The last thing this country needs is thousands more pubs closing.”

While Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the proposals as “government overreach on a scale that is utterly ridiculous”.

“Frankly, if they do this, it will be the death knell of the pub,” Mr Farage added.

The prime minister’s plans follow the previous government’s proposal to outlaw the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 2009.

TCI achieves healthcare milestone

– First cohort of nursing students pass national exam at home

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In

successfully pass the National Nursing and Midwifery Council clinical examination within the country’s borders.

This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in the islands’ journey towards healthcare selfsufficiency and educational excellence.

Acting Premier, Hon Jamell Robinson, addressing the momentous occasion held at Beaches Turks and Caicos on Friday, August 23, 2024, hailed the students’ success as “not merely an academic success; it is a monumental leap forward for the entire country and a testament to our shared vision of a vibrant and self-sustaining healthcare system”.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health, Hon Shaun Malcolm, President of Turks and Caicos Islands Dr Candice Williams, Leader of the Opposition Hon Edwin Astwood, local health professionals, and other government officials.

Robinson lamented the difficulties that students face, especially those with immediate families.

He said: “For too long, our students have had to pursue their education abroad, leaving behind their families and their home islands in search of the knowledge and skills necessary to serve our communities, but today, we stand on the brink of a transformative change.

This milestone, however, signifies a transformative shift, as students can now receive comprehensive training and certification within their own country.

This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in healthcare education for the Turks and Caicos Islands, one where our students can grow, learn, and excel in environments that support their cultural and community connections.

Robinson emphasised the government’s commitment to investing in local education and training programmes, positioning the Turks and Caicos Islands as a

centre of excellence in healthcare education.

“By providing the opportunity for students to earn their clinical certifications right here, we are fostering a generation of skilled professionals who will contribute directly to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” he asserted.

The achievement also carries significant implications for the islands’ healthcare independence and economic development. By training healthcare professionals locally, the Turks and Caicos Islands are not only ensuring a steady supply of skilled practitioners but also retaining financial resources within the community.

Moreover, this milestone aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. By expanding local educational offerings in healthcare, the islands are taking a proactive approach to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of their population.

Robinson concluded his address with a call to action, urging healthcare facilities, government agencies, and private organisations to collaborate in supporting emerging professionals.

“Let us create internships, training opportunities, and employment pathways that allow our students to flourish in their careers and continue their commitment to our community,” he implored.

The celebration served as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the nursing students, their educators, and the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare education.

As the TCI continues to invest in its healthcare system, this achievement stands as a beacon of progress, illuminating the path toward a healthier and stronger future.

Acting Premier Robinson joined the Ministry of Health in celebrating the pivotal milestone

a significant stride towards bolstering its healthcare system,

the Turks and Caicos Islands recently celebrated a groundbreaking achievement: the first cohort of nursing students to

Carey mourns the deaths of her mom and sister, who died ‘on the same day’

Mariah Carey is grieving the recent deaths of her mother and sister, who the singer says died “on the same day.”

“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day,” Mariah Carey said in a statement to CNN on Monday.

Details about what caused the deaths of Patricia Carey and Alison Carey, respectively, were

not provided by the pop star. Patricia Carey was reportedly 87. Alison Carey, a resident of Coxsackie, New York, was 63, according to a Times Union newspaper article about her death.

The “All I Want for Christmas” singer added in her statement: “I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed.

I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this

impossible time.”

Patricia Carey was a Juilliard-trained opera singer and a vocal coach. She was married to Mariah Carey’s father Alfred Roy, from whom she separated when Mariah Carey was threeyears-old. Roy died in 2002.

In her 2020 memoir “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” Mariah Carey opened up about her “complicated” relationship with her mother, writing that “like many aspects of my life, my journey with my mother has been full of contradictions and competing realities.”

Despite their sometimesstrained relationship, Mariah Carey included her mother in the opening dedication of the book.

“And to Pat, my mother,

who, through it all, I do believe actually did the best she could. I will love you the best I can, always,” she wrote.

Mariah Carey was reportedly estranged from her sister Alison Carey, who sued her in 2021 for intentional infliction of emotional distress caused by some of the contents in Mariah Carey’s memoir.

In the lawsuit filed in New York, Alison Carey claimed her younger sister used her book as a means to “to humiliate and embarrass” her, according to a copy of the complaint obtained by CNN.

According to online court records, Mariah Carey never filed a legal response to the claim.

Mariah Carey is one of three children. In addition to Alison Carey, Patricia Carey was also mom to son Morgan Carey. (CNN)

Mariah Carey is one of three children

LABOURER

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

or

of the

If

or

MAKEUP ARTIST

CAREGIVER

TO WORK IN PROVO

Must be able to speak, read and write English must have first aid training Must be able to work 5 days a week

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOUNDATION

OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER

meetings/interview,

of inventory,

food orders,

promotion and marketing including social media content; fundraising, organizing and assisting at events; liaising with schools, government departments and other charities; food bank collections and deliveries;

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

an asset.

is commission based.

BABYSITTER

CARETAKER

HOUSEKEEPER

SALES CLERK

MAINTENANCE

HELPER

CONTACT:

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Spa Tropique is on the hunt to find the best massage therapists on island! If you have at least three years of experience with a four-star spa and have an upbeat and positive personality, we hope you will come and meet with us!

We look forward to meeting you! Deadline for applications is Saturday, September 7, 2024. Applicants for the position are required to have:

• Obtained a diploma in Massage Therapy from an internationally accredited school from Canada, UK, USA, Australia, Jamaica, Thailand or Philippines.

• Completed a massage course of at least 1800 hours plus 6 months of practical training.

• Certified in Reflexology, Hot Stone, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic Drainage, Prenatal Massage & Shiatsu

• Other Modalities Required: Esthetician Licensing, Waxing, Manicure and Pedicures.

• At least 3 years experience with a spa rated 4 stars or above.

• Their own vehicle in excellent working order and/or a clean license.

• Fluent spoken and written English (a written exam will be provided).

• Basic computer skills for use of company software.

• Be available to work 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM five days per week. Weekends and holiday are a must. (Schedules are subject to change).

Renumeration: $8.50 hourly plus commission and gratuities.

Explorer Ventures (TCI) Ltd. is a scuba liveaboard diving company operating out of Providenciales. The company requires an experienced Captain with a current 200 Ton (ITC) Master's license with full STCW-95/2010 who is also a certified SCUBA diver (Dive master or Instructor preferred). Must have substantial experience on vessels greater than 100 Ft. Strong customer service background and fluency in English is required. Previous liveaboard experience

preferred and employee must live onboard the vessel, with one day shore leave each week.

This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Interested persons are asked to apply by email to Sarah Dauphinee, at jobs@ExplorerVentures.com (Prospective applicants who are Islanders are invited to also send copies of their applications to Employment Services). Starting salary: $2000 / month

OSPREY SECURITY SOLUTIONS

SECURITY OFFICERS

Salary $9:00 per hour

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

SECURITY SUPERVISOR

Salary $9.45 per hour

Setting goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company’s plans and vision. Organizing workflow and ensuring that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks. Monitoring employee productivity and providing constructive feedback and coaching. Required: Experience in providing advice and resolving critical situations. An understanding of basic police and other Emergency Services procedures. Willingness to commit to further training. The ability to operate surveillance equipment, including cameras, camcorders, and CCTV systems is desirable. Preferably Former police/military, or with longer security experience and with TCI driver’s license.

CONTACT-333-6577

THE SOURCE LTD

203 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales

ROOM INSPECTOR

A Room Inspector is required to work in a luxury villa. The successful candidate must possess the following qualities & experience:

• Must have experienced as a Room Inspector/Housekeeper at a Five Star Hotel/Luxury Villa with a high level of attention to detail.

• Applicant must inspect the cleanliness of all rooms prior and post guest arrival

• Must list and itemize lost and found items

• Be willing to work flexible hours including holidays, weekends, and evenings

• Must be reliable and trustworthy and energetic

• Handles guest complaints and queries

• Applicant must be willing to look after the household when owners are absent

• Possess excellent command of English

• Controls waste of any product or linen.

• Must be a non-smoker

CANDIDATE MUST ALSO

• Perform general housekeeping duties including laundry.

• In the absence of guest must be willing to assist with cleaning and general maintenance

• Must be willing and to work well with the team

• Must have a clean police record

• Starting salary for this position is $1,500.00 per month.

B & S TECHNOLOGY

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

We are looking for the following:

COMMUNICATION TECHNICIAN

• Configure, install and maintain communication networks and components.

• Provide Tech support on site or remotely to clients.

• Review and monitor operational processes for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency, including but not limited to estimating, purchasing,

• Invoicing, warehousing, scheduling and reporting.

• Maintain and install IT hardware in critical spaces within a data centre environment.

• Good communication and listening skills.

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

• Desire to work with customers on a consistent basis;

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

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

REQUIREMENTS:

• Diploma in Information Technology

• Master in Network Administration

• With at least 3 years of work experience.

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

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

• A positive attitude. Show up on time

• Being flexible on what days and hours you can work

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

THIS ADVERT IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL. PLEASE ADDRESS ALL RESUME’S TO HR@THESOURCE.TC AND DROP OFF A COPY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.

THE SOURCE LTD

MAINTENANCE

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

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

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

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

• Must have experience in General Maintenance & Carpentry

• Must be able to maintain Crestron Audio Visual Systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Attention to detail

• Must be Pro active

TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

• Applicant must have a good command of the English Language

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

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

This position requires someone with a sunny disposition who can remain calm during stressful situations. Applicant must have a minimum of 2 years working in a high-end resort or a Luxury Villa. Applicants may work long hours including weekends and holidays. Renumeration for this position starts at $1500.00 per month. This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

DOMESTIC WORKER

KITCHEN

CLEANER

J & W CONSTRUCTION

#9 & #10 Storage Building, Long Bay Road, Providenciales

SUPERINTENDANT

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES & EXPERIENCE:

• Collaborate with owners, construction workers, architects and engineers.

• Prepare contracts & review evaluation of contracts

• Estimate costs and ensure the project is on budget

• Materials take-off and quantity survey from the Architectural plan

• Monitor and report on project progress

• Must be willing to work flexible hours when needed

REQUIREMENTS

• Must have at least 5 years experience on multimillion dollars projects

• Degree in Engineering, construction management, or similar field

• Knowledge of AutoCAD

• Knowledge of local quality, safety, and health

• Proficient in computer skills and Microsoft Office Suite Strong organizational skills

Renewal of Work Permit. Starting salary $3500.00 monthly.

PREMIER SOLUTIONS

Flamingo Park, Providenciales

SUNNY FOODS BLUE HILLS

Providenciales Turks and Caicos Island Contact No: 1649-9462811

STORE CLERK

• Packing shelves and arranging promotional displays.

• Assisting in stock takes and keeping storerooms.

• Promoting products and informing clients about deals and specials

• Ability to stand, bend, twist, reach, push, and occasionally lift 50 lbs.

• Communicate and collaborate with other team members.

• Availability on work nights, weekends, and holidays.

• For first time work permit

• Rate per hour $8.00

SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERK

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

• Adequate knowledge of computer systems and comfortable using them;

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

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

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

• For first time work permit

• Rate per hour $9.00

DATABASE DESIGNER

We are looking to recruit a Senior Database Designer whose responsibilities will be the strategic development and maintenance of digital libraries, data reporting and analytics for online statistics and data modeling, and development of multi-channel designed assets. The successful candidate must have technical experience in working with system infrastructures, business intelligence software, brand development and demonstrate advanced technical skills with digital asset creation for multi-channel roll-out.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• A minimum of 8 years experience in developing and managing large database systems and coordinating multiple digital libraries.

• A minimum of 5 years experience in data reporting and analytics for business related statistics and data modeling.

• Working experience with website development and consultation skills with proficient knowledge of CSS, HTML5 and templating engines.

• Integration of database elements with client assets and deployment experience in Linux and FreeBSD environments.

• Experience of following W3C web standards to address accessibility specifications.

• Analytical and project management experience of multiple digital product libraries as a Product Coordinator or similar role.

• Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite in particular UI/UX apps and Design/Layout apps.

• Experience in corporate brand development and multi-channel strategy roll-out of new creative digital and non-digital assets.

• A bachelor’s degree in Multi-disciplinary Design or closely related fields.

• Experience with billing, tracking, invoicing and client management. Days worked - Monday to Fridays Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS CAN EMAIL THEIR RESUME TO JOBSTCI@ALLIEDCARIBBEAN.NET OR SEND THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY.

EASYWAY EMPLOYEMENT SERVICS

$9.00

To carry out and assist

ENTERTAINMENT

Kartel surprises fans with 2025 Guyana concert announcement

Jamaican Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has put his Guyanese fans on notice for a possible performance in the country next year.

“Guyana, next year, a blood— at trouble. Gwan save up unno money, yeh hear. I’m forwarding,” Kartel said in a video posted to Instagram this week.

This announcement came as a shock to fans as the artist had previously vowed never to perform in Guyana following a 2011 decision by state broadcaster the National Communications Network (NCN) to ban some of his music due to concerns over explicit content.

“I refused to go there before the ban was imposed so that ban wasn’t necessary. I banned myself. Big up the Guyanese Gaza fans but I would sooner tour Iraq than go to Guyana,” Kartel told The Jamaica Star in an interview in 2011.

In the report, Kartel linked the ban to his decision to pull out from an appearance at the Jam Zone Summer Break party, which was sponsored by the government.

Guyana’s Stabroek News reported that NCN’s then programme manager Martin Goolsarran released a statement saying the ban only applied to a few of Kartel’s songs.

He explained the network had a policy of not airing music that was offensive or promoted violence or intolerance.

Kartel is set to hold his first postprison performance on December 31, 2024 in Jamaica.

He has hinted that he will also perform in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

The 48-year-old, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was recently freed from prison after the Privy Council overturned his murder conviction.

Kartel was jailed alongside his co-accused Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John

Kartel had previously stated that he would never revisit the South American country because they ban some of his explicit music on the airwaves

for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams in Jamaica.

Kartel and his co-accused have always maintained their innocence.

(Loopnews)

Jennifer Affleck wants to legally be Jennifer Lopez again

Professionally, the name “Jennifer Affleck” never really caught on for Jennifer Lopez.

As part of her divorce filing obtained by CNN, the singer and actress is requesting to have her name restored to “Jennifer Lynn Lopez” from “Jennifer Lynn Affleck.”

Earlier this week, Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on what coincided with the second anniversary of their Riceboro, Georgia-set wedding ceremony in 2022. She listed the date of their separation as April 26, 2024, meaning that they were married for one year and nine months before parting ways..

The filing came after reports the pair have been living on separate coasts over the summer, with Lopez celebrating her birthday at the end of July in a Bridgerton-themed party that did not appear to include Affleck among the attendees.

In February, Lopez released “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” a documentary which told the story of her independently produced album “This Is Me… Now” and her decades-long quest for self-love.

Jennifer and Ben Affleck got married in 2022

K-pop singer leaves boy band over sexual crime accusation

South Korean singer Taeil has left the K-pop band NCT after being accused of an unspecified sexual crime, his label announced on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old’s agency, SM Entertainment, released a statement on X, saying the NCT member will depart from the boy band after learning he has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime”.

The label did not specify the nature of the alleged crime but said

it “recognised the seriousness of the situation” and decided Taeil, whose legal name is Moon Taeil, can no longer “continue his activities with the team”.

Taeil has not publicly commented on the allegations.

SM Entertainment added that he is fully cooperating with the police investigation.

“We will provide further statements as the investigation progresses,” the statement, which was posted in Korean and translated

Strictly judge Len Goodman to get public memorial

Former Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman is to be the subject of a public artwork in Kent.

Dartford Borough Council has said the memorial of the professional ballroom dancer, who died in April 2023, will be a celebration of his life and contribution to the town centre.

Artist Adrian Riley will create the tribute outside The Goodman Dance Academy in Market Street, which the TV personality opened in the 1970s.

Goodman’s wife Sue Barrett and son James said: “We are excited by Adrian’s vision of how he intends to capture Len’s wit and charm.”

They added: “Our dance studio has been teaching people to dance in Dartford for just over 50 years and to now have this wonderful

by Associated Press, said.

The Bangbae Police Station in Seoul announced it was investigating Taeil in relation to a sexual crime, according to South Korean media.

tribute outside our school is incredible, and Len would have been truly bowled over by it.”

‘A PERFECT GENTLEMAN’

Council leader Jeremy Kite added:

“When I met with representatives of Len’s family to see Adrian’s proposals we couldn’t help smiling.

“It’s a perfect tribute to a perfect gentleman.”

Goodman was the first head judge the BBC One hit show, joining the cast in 2004 and remaining a judge until 2016.

He also fronted US show Dancing With The Stars from 2005 to 2022, when he retired to spend more time with his family in the UK.

The Kent-born dancer found fame aged 60 when he was a last minute addition to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel.

The BBC was unable to reach police for comment.

Taeil was part of NCT, or Neo Culture Technology, a globally popular South Korean boy band that debuted in 2016.

The group currently has over two dozen members divided into several subunits, including NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish. Taeil was recently active in NCT 127.

Taeil has not publicly commented on the allegations

Len Goodman died in April of 2023

Sports International

Ex-Everton midfielder Rodriguez joins Rayo Vallecano

Former Real Madrid and Everton playmaker James Rodriguez has joined La Liga club Rayo Vallecano as a free agent.

The Colombian, 33, has been without a club since leaving Brazilian side Sao Paulo this summer.

He was named player of the tournament at the Copa America in July after providing six assists in Colombia’s run to the final, where they were beaten by Argentina.

Rayo Vallecano are eighth in La Liga having begun the season with a win and a draw. They finished

17th last season.

Rodriguez won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup and signed for Real Madrid later that summer.

He played 125 times for the Spanish champions before leaving on loan for two years at Bayern Munich. He then joined Everton in 2020.

He played 26 times for the Toffees but left 12 months into a two-year deal in a move to Qatari club Al Rayyan. He joined Olympiakos a year later before moving to Sao Paulo in 2023. (BBC)

Sinner eases through to US Open third round

World number one Jannik Sinner outclassed Alex Michelsen in straight sets to reach the third round of the US Open.

Italy’s Sinner beat the American 6-4 6-0 6-2 for his 50th victory of the year.

Australian Open champion Sinner is playing at his first tournament since it emerged he had been cleared of any wrongdoing after twice testing positive for a banned substance earlier this year.

The 23-year-old will play Australian Chris O’Connell in the third round in New York.

Against Michelsen on Thursday he had no such trouble. After coming out on top of a first set with several trades of breaks, Sinner did not look back, wrapping up a dominant victory in one hour 39 minutes.

“[I’m] very happy,” said Sinner, who beat world number 49 Michelsen in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month.

“He’s a very tough opponent. We played each other in Cincinnati a week ago. I knew what to expect, he knew what to expect a little.”

Elsewhere, seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz was knocked out in a 7-6

Sinner had wobbled against American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round on Tuesday, losing the first set before rallying to triumph 2-6 6-2 6-1 6-2 at Flushing Meadows.

(7-2) 6-1 7-5 defeat by Australian Jordan Thompson. It is the sixth successive year that Poland’s Hurkacz has exited the US Open in the second round. Another seed soon fell as American 16th seed Seb Korda was beaten 6-4 6-2 6-4 by Czech Tomas Machac. Machac will play Belgium’s David Goffin or France’s Adrian Mannarino - who play later on Thursday - in the third round. There was better luck for Australian 10th seed Alex de Minaur, who defeated Finland’s Otto Virtanen 7-5 6-1 7-6 (7-3) to set up a third-round meeting with Britain’s Dan Evans or Argentine Mariano Navone. (BBC)

IRFU announce 37 central contracts for women’s game

The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced 37 central contracts across the Women’s High Performance Programme as the Ireland Women’s XVs and Sevens squads build towards the 2024-25 season.

The Ireland Women’s XV will be back in action when they host Australia at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday 14 September as part of Irish Rugby’s 150th Year celebrations.

Scott Bemand’s squad then travel to Vancouver for their WXV1 campaign in the autumn, before they turn their attention to next season’s Women’s Six Nations and Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

After making their debut at the Olympics in Paris, the Ireland Women’s Sevens side will return to training in mid-September as preparations for a new HSBC

SVNS Series campaign kicks off in Dubai in November.

‘AN IMPORTANT YEAR AHEAD’

“It is an important year ahead for the Women’s programme, with our XVs squad building towards our return to the Women’s Rugby World Cup stage, and our Sevens squad bidding to build on the positive momentum from their appearance at the recent Paris Olympics, so developing depth in our playing resources is a key focus,” explained Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways Gillian McDarby.

“With this in mind, the alignment between our squads is an important strength as we face into a busy schedule and the consistent conversations between Scott and Allan [Temple-Jones, Sevens coach], as well as our High Performance Staff across

both XVs and Sevens, ensures we will give both our Ireland teams the best chance of success on the international stage.”

Ireland Women’s Contracted Players [2024-25 season]: Kathy Baker, Natasja Behan, Claire Boles, Ellen Boylan, Enya Breen, Megan Burns, Ruth Campbell, Hannah Clarke, Katie Corrigan, Aoife Dalton, Meabh Deely, Linda Djougang, Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Kate Farrell McCabe, Alanna Fitzpatrick, Stacey Flood, Nicole Fowley, Clare Gorman, Katie Heffernan, Eve Higgins, Brittany Hogan, Erin King, Lucinda Kinghan, Emily Lane, Amy Larn, Anna McGann, Sadhbh McGrath, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, Dannah O’Brien, Robyn O’Connor, Niamh O’Dowd, Béibhinn Parsons, Aoibheann Reilly, Fiona Tuite, Aoife Wafer, Katie Whelan. (BBC)

Rodriguez has played 106 times for Colombia

Eve Higgins was part of the Ireland Sevens squad at the Paris Olympics

Sinner is through to play Australian wildcard Chris O’Connell in the third round

Science & Technology

Chanel No 2: The many reasons why dogs love to roll in poo

Dogs have a baffling obsession with rolling in foul-smelling substances. It may be part of a form of communication we are only just starting to understand.

It would happen whenever Simon Gadbois took his border collie Zyla out on a research trip. They would be tracking the wild animals he studies in the rugged landscape of Nova Scotia, Canada, when Zyla would suddenly stop, nose to the ground. Before Gadbois could intervene, she would roll around enthusiastically. Then the smell would hit him.

“In case you have never smelt beaver poop before, it is horrible, really vile, and it stinks for weeks afterwards,” he says.

Gadbois studies the behaviour of wild wolves, foxes and coyotes in Canada and had trained Zyla to help him find the animals. But for some baffling reason, she would also delight in rubbing herself in beaver excrement on these trips.

“It was always beyond me why she would do this,” says Gadbois. “You would think it would interfere with her ability to smell and track other animals, but remarkably it did not affect her performance one bit.”

It is a situation that will be familiar to most dog owners –your beloved pet comes bounding back to you reeking of a pungent, musky stench after rolling in something terrible. Gadbois has spent a large part of his career trying to understand how dogs and other members of the canid family of animals experience the world through their noses, yet even he is baffled by their behaviour at times.

Humans first domesticated dogs from wolves up to 23,000 years ago and we have lived side-byside with them ever since. Yet, despite this long history together, there is surprisingly little research on exactly why dogs seem to get such joy from rolling in another animal’s faeces.

One leading theory is that the predilection for smearing poo on their coats is simply an evolutionary hangover from their days as wild predators. If that’s the case, while we may have taught them to sit, stay and lie down, we apparently couldn’t suppress this stinky basic instinct.

“It may have had a very important function at some point a long time ago,” says Gadbois. “Over time that function has vanished, but they still do it.”

It is certainly true that wolves will roll in the faeces of other species, and even in the carcasses of dead animals. One popular reason put forward for this behaviour is that it may offer a form of olfactory

camouflage for the predators when they are stalking their prey.

But a study from 1986, where biologists observed scent-rubbing in two groups of captive wolves in Canada, may cast some doubt on this idea. The researchers provided the wolves with a range of different odours. Surprisingly, the wolves were least interested in rubbing themselves in the faeces of herbivores like sheep or horse, and the scientists did not see the animals rub on these odours at all.

Food was similarly unappealing. Instead, their favoured scents were artificial odours like perfume or motor oil.

For an animal that might want to disguise its scent from its prey, choosing to smell like something so alien to their natural environment is surprising to say the least. However, the researchers also found that the wolves’ second favourite scent was the faeces of other carnivores like cougars and black bears.

Pat Goodmann, a senior animal curator at Wolf Park in Indiana who has spent many years studying scent-rolling in wolves, has noticed similar behaviour among the wolves she cares for. “Here at Wolf Park, the wolves are willing to roll in the scent of alien canids and domestic cats,” she says. “It raises a strong possibility that wild wolves may roll in predator scent too. This would not be a helpful hunting disguise.”

While wolves may occasionally hunt by ambush, they more commonly chase their prey down, which does not require nearly as much stealth, she adds.

So, could rolling in strong scents have another camouflage purpose? Rather than hiding them from prey, it might instead help smaller canids avoid other predators.

The idea might be supported by research published in 2016 by Max Allen, an ecologist who at the time was at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and is now at the based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With the help of remote cameras, he captured some unusual behaviour by grey foxes living around the Santa Cruz area of California.

The normally reclusive grey foxes were regularly visiting sites that male mountain lions used for scent-marking. The footage showed the foxes rubbing their cheeks on ground that had been freshly marked with strong-smelling urine by the mountain lions.

Allen believes the foxes are using the odour left by these large feline predators as a form of odour camouflage, to hide them from other large predators like coyotes.

“Coyotes are so much bigger than grey foxes but seem to want to eliminate them as there is competition for resources between them,” says Allen. “The foxes cannot really fight back, so they are exploiting the puma scent to get some form of protection. Smelling like a puma might give them time to escape.”

However, this does not explain why larger canids, like wolves, also rub themselves in the scent left by other predators. And it’s possible that male foxes are simply rubbing their head and neck on objects to leave their own scent behind –supported by the fact that they tend to have circumoral glands close to their mouths that secrete a greaselike substance.

When it comes to your pet dog, there could be a more social aspect to the behaviour: they might simply be trying to share an interesting scent with you. For animals that seem to experience so much of

world around them.

When presented with different sets of odours over a two-year period, the wolves seemed to be fairly selective about which scents they would roll in. While they spent a lot of time sniffing dung from herbivores such as deer and guinea pigs, it was unusual odours they hadn’t encountered before that triggered the most scent rolling behaviour, such as curry, rosemary and sheep’s wool. The researchers behind the study suggest the behaviour might be caused by encountering unfamiliar smells and a way of communicating with the rest of the pack.

Gadbois believes, however, there may be a simpler explanation. In the wolf packs he studied in Canada, the lead animal tended to be the first to roll in a strong scent, followed by the others.

their world through their noses, it could be a useful way of sharing information with the rest of their pack in the wild.

Spotted hyenas, for example, will roll in the carcasses of dead animals in the wild. One study of captive hyenas found that when the animals wore the scent of carrion on their pelts, they tended to get more grooming, sniffing and other attention from members of their group. If the odour was replaced with the smell of camphor, these social greetings were reduced.

Similarly, a study of Ethiopian wolves showed they tended to roll on the ground following a meal, although they were also seen rolling in human excrement and on ground where humans had recently been.

Goodmann says her late colleague and founder of Wolf Park, Erich Klinghammer, proposed that scent rolling may be a form of what he called “noninsightful communication” where the wolves aren’t necessarily conscious of carrying scent to others on their fur. But she too has noticed that scent-rolling has an association with food.

“I watched our wolves eat up small pieces of elk. When they received a large side of elk, they both ate and scent rolled,” says Goodmann. “I speculated that food scent on the wolf’s breath and on its fur indicated that there were more leftovers to scavenge, for wolves that wanted to backtrack to the source of the odour.”

It is likely, however, there is a side to the smell-gathering behaviour we still struggle to understand. A study of wolves at a zoo in Croatia, for example, seems to indicate that rolling in odours may be part of more a complex form of communication about the

“It could be that this is about establishing a group odour,” he says. “In the wolves I studied, if one started rubbing in something like a deer carcass, the whole pack would follow and rub in it. I’ve seen this in coyotes and foxes in the wild, too. It seems to become the odour you share with all the others in the group.”

This idea of sharing an odour to increase the sense of “togetherness” has also been seen in African wild dogs: females will roll in the urine of males from a group they are looking to join. Similarly, African wild dogs in a pack will regularly rub against each other’s scent glands to pick up each other’s scent.

It supports the idea that pack animals such as wolves and dogs may use scent-rubbing as a way for an animal to ingratiate itself into a group. It could also be a way for pack animals to enhance their social position – by rolling in the scent of a more senior animal, higher status could literally rub off onto them.

s hinted at some more complex explanations. The work he and his colleagues have done suggests that wolves are able to recognise themselves through the smells they leave behind – a bit like looking in a kind of “olfactory mirror”. The captive wolves his team studied never rolled in their own scent but did roll in odours from others in their group, non-companion wolves and a dog. But they also rolled in anise oil.

This seems to indicate that they are “aware of the ‘not me/other’ odours that they want to collect from their environment”, says Cazzolla Gatti. “The scent-rolling behaviour might have multiple functions: mimicry, sociality, and identity,” he adds. (BBC)

Sometimes our dogs will roll in something disgusting and there are a number of reasons for why they do this

Science & Technology

This sleep routine can cut your heart disease risk by 20%: new study

New research finds that people who catch up on zzz’s on the weekends can cut their risk of heart disease by up to 20%.

“Sufficient compensatory sleep is linked to a lower risk of heart disease,” said study co-author Yanjun Song, a researcher with Fuwai Hospital in Beijing. “The association becomes even more pronounced among individuals who regularly experience inadequate sleep on weekdays.”

Song’s team analysed sleep data from 90,900 UK residents. Nearly 22% — about 19,800 participants — were categorised as sleep-deprived because they slumbered less than seven hours a night on average.

Researchers followed the participants for nearly 14 years, monitoring hospital and death records for cardiac diseases including heart failure, atrial

fibrillation and stroke.

The team found that those who logged the most compensatory sleep were 19% less likely to develop heart disease.

Among the sleep-deprived participants, the highest amounts of compensatory sleep meant a 20% lower risk of heart disease.

The data did not reveal differences between men and women.

Dr Nisha Parikh, director of the Women’s Heart Program for Northwell Health’s Cardiovascular Institute and the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, called the study a “well-conducted analysis.”

“Sleep disorders including sleep deprivation have been linked to cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases,” Parikh told The Post. “It is reassuring

that weekend catch-up sleep can at least partially mitigate the effects of weekday sleep deprivation.”

The research was presented Thursday at the annual European Society of Cardiology (ESC) conference.

“Our results show that for the significant proportion of the population in modern society that suffers from sleep deprivation, those who have the most ‘catchup’ sleep at weekends have significantly lower rates of heart disease than those with the least,” study co-author Zechen Liu said.

Still, experts recommend adults get seven to nine hours of sleep every night so they don’t find themselves in sleep debt.

Also Thursday at the ESC Congress, researchers from Denmark presented their work that found that women with

Catching up on sleep during the weekend lessened the changes of heart attacks in sleep-deprived persons

endometriosis face a 20% greater risk of heart attack and stroke compared with women without endometriosis.

The painful condition, which affects more than 6.5 million American women, occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus.

Meanwhile, men with coronary

artery disease — the most common type of heart disease in the US — can cut their risk of a major heart incident by nearly half by quitting smoking for good.

Simply cutting back on cigarettes isn’t enough to move the needle, the study authors from Paris told the ESC Congress.

(NYPost)

Nearly two-thirds of supermarket baby foods are unhealthy, study finds

The supermarket baby food aisle in the United States is packed with non-nutritious foods containing far too much sugar and salt and misleading marketing claims, a new study found.

Sixty percent of 651 foods that are marketed for children ages 6 months to 36 months on 10 supermarkets’ shelves in the US failed to meet recommended World Health Organization nutritional guidelines for infant and toddler foods, according to the study, which was published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients.

Almost none of the foods met all of the WHO standards for advertising, which focus on clear labelling of ingredients and accurate health claims.

Of all the products in the study, 70% did not meet WHO’s guidance on protein content, and 25% failed to meet calorie recommendations, the researchers found. One in five baby or toddler foods contained salt levels above the organization’s suggested limits.

One-quarter of products contained added or hidden sweeteners, with 44% of the baby and toddler foods exceeding WHO’s recommendations for total sugars, said senior study author Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, an adjunct assistant professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Research shows 50% of the

Sixty percent of 651 foods that are marketed for children ages 6 months to 36 months on 10 supermarkets’ shelves in the US failed to meet recommended WHO nutritional guidelines

sugar consumed from infant foods comes from pouches, and we found those were some of the worst offenders,” said Dunford, who is also a research fellow at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney, which created FoodSwitch, an app that contains nutritional information on thousands of products worldwide.

Sales of baby food pouches rose 900% in the US in the past 13 years, the study found, making pouches one of the fastest-growing market segments.

ADDED SWEETENERS IN BABY FOOD POUCHES

The increasing demand is understandable, as the ease and convenience of pouches can make

them irresistible to overworked, stressed parents and caregivers, said Dr Mark Corkins, St. Jude Endowed Chair for Excellence in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. He was not involved in the new study.

“These pouches are very worrisome,” said Corkins, who is also chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition.

“Children have to learn to chew, so they should be eating regular fruits, not pureed, sweetened things in a pouch,” he said. “Often, these blends are not natural and much sweeter than a real fruit, so the child’s being taught to only like

supersweet things.”

Then there is the issue of texture, which must be learned at a critical age, Corkins added.

“We tell parents to gradually increase the texture of the foods during the introduction to real foods between 6 months and a year,” Corkins said. “If you don’t expose kids to a variety of textures with more chewing during that critical window, they can develop a texture aversion and will refuse anything but smooth, pureed types of foods.”

CNN reached out to several industry associations who represent various baby food manufacturers but did not receive responses before publication.

LACK OF GUIDELINES FOR INFANT AND TODDLER FOODS

The study looked at over 650 products gathered in 2023 from the baby food aisle in 10 major US supermarkets. It did not analyse dairy or other refrigerated foods marketed for children.

The names and brands of the foods were not disclosed in the study.

The researchers applied nutrition and promotional recommendations for commercially produced infant and toddler foods made in 2022 by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The WHO recommendations are an attempt to address the global disarray in nutritional guidance on foods for babies and toddlers, which happens to be worse in the United States than other Western countries, experts say.

The US Food and Drug Administration has implemented regulations on infant formulas and levels of arsenic in baby food, and it makes recommendations on food safety and handling.

“Are there regulations in different countries specific to infant and toddler foods? The short answer is no, but in Europe, the UK, New Zealand and Australia, where I’m from, there are broader regulations about how ingredients can be listed on the package that

Science & Technology

NASA discovers a long-sought global electric field on Earth

Using observations from a NASA suborbital rocket, an international team of scientists has, for the first time, successfully measured a planet-wide electric field thought to be as fundamental to Earth as its gravity and magnetic fields.

Known as the ambipolar electric field, scientists first hypothesized over 60 years ago that it drove how our planet’s atmosphere can escape above Earth’s North and South Poles. Measurements from the rocket, NASA’s Endurance mission, have confirmed the existence of the ambipolar field and quantified its strength, revealing its role in driving atmospheric escape and shaping our ionosphere — a layer of the upper atmosphere — more broadly.

Understanding the complex movements and evolution of our planet’s atmosphere provides clues not only to the history of Earth but also gives us insight into the mysteries of other planets and determining which ones might be hospitable to life. The paper was published Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, in the journal Nature.

AN ELECTRIC FIELD

DRAWING PARTICLES OUT TO SPACE

Since the late 1960s, spacecraft flying over Earth’s poles have detected a stream of particles flowing from our atmosphere into space. Theorists predicted this outflow, which they dubbed the “polar wind,” spurring research to understand its causes.

Some amount of outflow from our atmosphere was expected. Intense, unfiltered sunlight should cause some particles from our air to escape into space, like steam evaporating from a pot of water. But the observed polar wind was more mysterious. Many particles within it were cold, with no signs they had been heated — yet they were traveling at supersonic speeds.

“Something had to be drawing these particles out of the atmosphere,” said Glyn Collinson, principal investigator of Endurance at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and lead author of the paper. Scientists suspected a yet-to-be-discovered electric field could be at work.

The hypothesized electric field, generated at the subatomic scale, was expected to be incredibly

NASA discovers a long-sought global electric field on Earth

weak, with its effects felt only over hundreds of miles. For decades, detecting it was beyond the limits of existing technology. In 2016, Collinson and his team got to work inventing a new instrument they thought was up to the task of measuring Earth’s ambipolar field.

LAUNCHING A ROCKET FROM THE ARCTIC

The team’s instruments and ideas were best suited for a suborbital rocket flight launched from the Arctic. In a nod to the ship that carried Ernest Shackleton on his famous 1914 voyage to Antarctica, the team named their mission Endurance. The scientists set a course for Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago just a few hundred miles from the North Pole and home to the northernmost rocket range in the world.

“Svalbard is the only rocket range in the world where you can fly through the polar wind and make the measurements we needed,” said Suzie Imber, a space physicist at the University of Leicester, UK,

and co-author of the paper.

On May 11, 2022, Endurance launched and reached an altitude of 477.23 miles (768.03 kilometers), splashing down 19 minutes later in the Greenland Sea. Across the 322-mile altitude range where it collected data, Endurance measured a change in electric potential of only 0.55 volts.

“A half a volt is almost nothing — it’s only about as strong as a watch battery,” Collinson said. “But that’s just the right amount to explain the polar wind.”

Hydrogen ions, the most abundant type of particle in the polar wind, experience an outward force from this field 10.6 times stronger than gravity. “That’s more than enough to counter gravity — in fact, it’s enough to launch them upwards into space at supersonic speeds,” said Alex Glocer, Endurance project scientist at NASA Goddard and coauthor of the paper.

Heavier particles also get a boost. Oxygen ions at that same altitude, immersed in this half-avolt field, weigh half as much. In

Nearly two-thirds of supermarket baby foods are ...

also impact foods fed to children,” Dunford said.

For example, if a savoury food was made of 10% spinach, 8% beef and 2% potato, leaving the bulk of the product apples or pears — which are often used as sweeteners in baby foods — the name of the product in those countries would be “Pear, spinach, beef and potato pie,” she said.

Manufacturers in those countries are also requited to clearly identify percentages on the label, such as “spinach (10%) beef (8%) and potato (2%), leaving it obvious how much pear or apple is included,” Dunford said. “In the US, however, there are no such regulations, so it’s more difficult to understand

what’s in the products you’re buying.”

Such hidden sweeteners may be a key reason only 31% of nonfruit pouches met WHO total sugar recommendations, Dunford said.

MISLEADING ADVERTISING

Nearly all — 99.4% — of the 651 products in the study contained at least one marketing claim that was prohibited by the WHO recommendations. Products displayed four or five such claims, on average; some had as many as 13, the study found.

Common claims included “non-genetically modified,” or GM (70%); “organic” (59%): “no BPA (bisphenol A)” (37%): and “no artificial colors or flavors”

(25%) — the WHO frowns on such marketing claims because they may lead consumers to feel that the product is more nutritious than one next to it on the shelf, which may or may not be true, Dunford said.

“The reason we call it the Wild West when we talk about the baby food aisle is that manufacturers get to pick and choose which elements of their product they want to highlight,” Dunford said. “They certainly don’t highlight the bad stuff, right? If their product is high in sugar, they’re just going to say, ‘no added colours or flavours’ on the label.”

Countries like Australia, she added, require ingredients to reach a minimum nutrient profile: If a food or beverage doesn’t meet

a baseline nutritional standard, the manufacturer is not eligible to make any specific health claim about that ingredient.

“If that product doesn’t meet the minimum nutritional profile for calcium, for example, they cannot put added calcium on their label,” Dunford said.

Some 62% of the products in the study made general health and nutrition claims, the researchers found, while 58% included claims about specific ingredients.

“Snack and finger foods often referred to fruit or vegetables in the product name, despite primarily being made of flour or other starches,” said study coauthor Dr. Daisy Coyle, a research fellow and dietitian at the George Institute for Global Health.

general, the team found that the ambipolar field increases what’s known as the “scale height” of the ionosphere by 271%, meaning the ionosphere remains denser to greater heights than it would be without it.

“It’s like this conveyor belt, lifting the atmosphere up into space,” Collinson added.

Endurance’s discovery has opened many new paths for exploration. The ambipolar field, as a fundamental energy field of our planet alongside gravity and magnetism, may have continuously shaped the evolution of our atmosphere in ways we can now begin to explore. Because it’s created by the internal dynamics of an atmosphere, similar electric fields are expected to exist on other planets, including Venus and Mars.

“Any planet with an atmosphere should have an ambipolar field,” Collinson said. “Now that we’ve finally measured it, we can begin learning how it’s shaped our planet as well as others over time.” (Nasa. Gov)

“The lack of regulation in this area leaves the door wide open for the food industry to deceive busy parents,” Coyle said in a statement. Such claims create a “health halo” around these baby food products, experts say.

“One of the biggest concerns about baby and toddler foods are the often fictitious health claims on the front of products,” Corkins said. “Some of them are blatant, some are implied, and they may be misleading parents and guardians.

“A concerned, well-meaning parent will read claims like wholesome and nutritious and will not only buy those products but spend more money on them because of the claims,” he said. (CNN)

Sports International

Chelsea qualify for Conference League despite second-leg defeat

Chelsea moved into the league phase of the Europa Conference League despite losing in Switzerland against Servette in the second leg of their qualifying playoff.

Enzo Maresca’s side led 2-0 after the first leg at Stamford Bridge a week ago and extended that advantage after 14 minutes through Christopher Nkunku’s penalty after Mykhailo Mudryk had been fouled by Keigo Tsunemoto.

Jeremy Guillemenot pulled one back for Servette, running on to Dereck Kutesa’s pass and shooting first time across Filip Jorgensen.

Two Servette substitutes combined with Enzo Crivelli heading in from Miroslav Stevanovic’s left-wing cross to put the Swiss side ahead on the night.

But the hosts could not find another goal that would have taken the tie to extra time as Chelsea held on for a 3-2 aggregate win.

CHELSEA SURVIVE SCARE TO GET JOB DONE

Before the game, Maresca said he was not worried about complacency despite his side holding a two-goal advantage and Enzo Fernandez nearly stretched Chelsea’s lead with a fine 25-yard strike, which was tipped over by Joel Mall after only three minutes.

But, just as in the first leg, Nkunku converted from the

Paris

penalty spot to seemingly put the tie beyond the Swiss side, although Guillemenot then scored with Servette’s first real chance in the 32nd minute to make it 1-1 on the night.

On a poor quality pitch, Kutesa had a chance to score another for the hosts when he raced through, but, from a tight angle, was denied by Jorgensen.

It has been a great start to the season for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who was called up for

showcases riveting outdoor opening ceremony for Paralympics in historic first

Only a few weeks after the end of the Paris Olympics, the opening ceremony for the Paralympics kicked off in spectacular style, held outside of a stadium for the first time in history.

140 artists, including 16 performers with disabilities, took center stage with the parade of athletes starting at the bottom on the iconic Champs-Élysées before heading into the famed Place de la Concorde, the largest square in the French capital.

A total of 168 delegations participated in the celebration.

Musical performances included a rendition of Edith Piaf’s ‘Non, je ne regrette rien,” by French artist Christine and the Queens, a piano performance by Chilly Gonzales, and Sébastien Tellier played his hit ‘La Ritournelle.’

Following the parade, French Paralympians Sandrine Martinet –a Paralympic triple bronze medalist

and champion in Para judo in Rio 2016 – and Arnaud Assoumani, Paralympic long jump F46 gold medalist in Beijing 2008, took the Paralympic Oath.

A handover ceremony between Olympic and Paralympic athletes saw six-time Olympic medalist and French flag bearer in the Olympics Florent Manaudou pass the torch to Michaël Jérémiasz, Paralympic champion in wheelchair tennis in Beijing 2008 and now chef de mission for the French delegation at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Games will feature more than 4,400 athletes competing in 22 para sports for 549 medal events over 11 days.

More than 50,000 spectators were expected to attend the ceremony, organizers say, and an estimated 300 million television viewers were expected to watch the spectacle.

Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee,

the England squad for the first time earlier on Thursday after he had grabbed a hat-trick in the 6-2 win over Wolves at the weekend.

He scored the Blues’ second goal in the first leg and looked to have a great chance early in the second half in Geneva, only to be denied by excellent defending.

Crivelli’s header set up a frantic finish before Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson had a goal ruled out for offside and Cole Palmer hit the crossbar.

In the fourth minute of added time, Servette nearly made it 3-3 overall, but Timothe Cognat dragged his shot wide.

QUALIFICATION VITAL TO GIVE FRINGE PLAYERS GAME TIME

Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League and are competing in Europe’s third-tier tournament for the first time after only coming sixth in the Premier League last season, a performance that cost

boss Mauricio Pochettino his job.

The Blues have signed 10 players since Pochettino left with Maresca having one day left of the transfer window to trim an already bloated squad. England duo Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are among those that could leave on Friday’s transfer deadline day and neither were in the squad in Switzerland.

Maresca already faces a tough challenge in keeping the remaining members of his squad happy, but this progression in the Conference League ensures he will have at least another six matches to give game time to fringe players.

The draw for the league phase of the Conference League will be held on Friday from 13:30 BST at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Just like the Champions League and Europa League, there will be 36 teams competing in one league, with the top eight advancing into the last 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th will compete in the knockout phase play-offs.

Each team in the Champions League and Europa League plays eight different sides once apiece, with four of those games at home and four away, but the Conference League is slightly different, with each club only facing six opponents, three at home and three away. (BBC)

hailed “the Paralympic revolution” in his opening speech.

“What makes you revolutionaries is that, when they told you, ‘No,’ you continued,” Estanguet said.

He added: “Tonight, you are inviting us to change our perspectives, change our attitudes, change our society to finally give every person their full place.

“Because when the sport starts,

we will no longer see men and women with a disability, we will see you: we will see champions,” he added.

Competition gets underway on Thursday. (CNN)

Christopher Nkunku scored in both legs of the tie

France’s Michaël Jérémiasz holds the Paralympic flame during the torch relay as part of the opening ceremony

Sports International

Ingebrigtsen & Duplantis break world records

Jakob Ingebrigtsen obliterated the 28-year-old 3,000m world record by more than three seconds before Armand Duplantis broke his own pole vault world record at the Diamond League meeting in Silesia.

Norway’s Ingebrigtsen looked in disbelief as he crossed the finish line in seven minutes 17.55 seconds, breaking the previous record of 7:20.67 set by Kenya’s Daniel Komen in 1996.

Komen’s time had been the longest-standing men’s athletics world record in an individual track event.

In the pole vault, Sweden’s Duplantis cleared 6.26m, one centimetre higher than his previous best set as he won Olympic gold in Paris earlier this month.

His second-attempt clearance on Sunday was the third time the 24-year-old has broken the world record this season, and his 10th overall.

Duplantis was joined by American Sam Kendricks and Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis - who won Olympic silver and bronze respectively - in jumping 6m.

“This year I focused on the Olympics, the record just came naturally because I was in good shape,” Duplantis said.

“So I am not surprised with the record today, but I am thankful.”

Ingebrigtsen wants to challenge ‘all world records’

Earlier this week, Ingebrigtsen had exacted a modicum of revenge over American Cole Hocker by winning the 1500m at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.

The Norwegian lost his Olympic title over the distance to Hocker at Paris 2024, with Great Britain’s Josh Kerr second, but won 5,000m gold.

The 23-year-old carried that form into Sunday’s meet in Poland, although admitted he did not expect his world record time.

“It feels special, amazing. I was hoping to challenge the world record here, but based on my training, I can never predict exactly what kind of time I am capable of,” he said.

“I would not have imagined I could run 7:17, though. At the beginning the pace felt really fast, but then I started to feel my way into

the race and found a good rhythm.

“Now I want to challenge world records at all distances, but it is one step at a time.”

Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Berihu Aregawi was second behind Ingebrigtsen in 7:21.28 - the third-fastest time in history - while fellow Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha placed third (7:28.44).

REEKIE IS GB’S TOP PERFORMER

Great Britain’s Daryll Neita finished fourth in the women’s 100m final in 11.01 seconds, which was an improvement on seventh in

Hearts relegated to Conference League after listless Plzen defeat

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon says “crazy” errors mean Hearts are “beating ourselves” as a fifth defeat in a row by Viktoria Plzen ended their Europa League hopes. Already trailing 1-0 from the first leg in the Czech Republic, Hearts needed to come out firing but initially played to form this season having lost their last four matches. In fact, just as they were starting to motor in the second half after positive

changes, Plzen struck the crucial blow.

Lukas Cerv calmly stroked in from the edge of the box to quell the rising noise at Tynecastle and deflate the Hearts, who will play in the Conference League.

“Everybody’s responsible as a team,” Gordon told BBC Sport Scotland. “We’ve got to cut it out, we’ve got to stop it. We’re beating ourselves more often than not.

“It’s crazy stuff. I can’t really

understand why it’s happening and in a such a short space of time.”

Before that, Daniel Vasulin had several opportunities for the visitors and was superbly denied by both goalkeeper Craig Gordon and right-back Gerald Taylor. Up the other end, Marian Tvrdon was simply not tested enough, although he did have to push away a deflected Taylor cross and then Stephen Kingsley’s fierce drive.

the Lausanne meet three days ago.

After running a season’s-best 10.88 to win Thursday’s race, Dina Asher-Smith opted not to compete in Silesia after saying on social media her body needed a “little rest”.

JAMAICA’S TIA CLAYTON WON IN 10.83.

Jemma Reekie was second in the women’s 1,000m in 2:32.56, behind Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir, while Georgia Bell finished third in the

women’s 1500m.

Kenya’s Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi targeted the men’s 800m world record after narrowly missing out earlier in the week, but was beaten by Canada’s world champion Marco Arop (1:41.86).

Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell upset new Olympic champion Grant Holloway in the men’s 110m hurdles in Lausanne but the American hit back by edging victory in 13.04.

Joe Root’s record-equalling 33rd century ensured England did not waste the chance to bat first on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

Root’s flawless 143 took him level with Sir Alastair Cook for the most Test centuries for England and was the bedrock of the hosts’ 358-7.

Without Root, England would have been in severe trouble, having surprisingly been inserted by Sri Lanka on a docile pitch under blue sky and sunshine.

Almost all of the England batters were to blame for their own downfalls, including makeshift opener Dan Lawrence, caught behind walking down the pitch for

nine, and stand-in captain Ollie Pope, who was caught off an ugly pull for only one.

Root added 48 with Harry Brook and 62 alongside Jamie Smith, but it was only in a seventh-wicket stand of 92 with Gus Atkinson did it feel like England were making the most of the conditions.

Root’s controlled innings was ended by a wild moment, an attempt at his trademark reversescoop ending in the hands of point. Atkinson remained, completing his maiden Test half-century and attacking the second new ball for an unbeaten 74, accompanied by Matthew Potts on 20 not out. Their partnership is 50 and growing. (BBC)

Joe Root has now scored 33 Test centuries

Jakob Ingebrigtsen obliterated the 28-year-old 3,000m world record

Sports International

Teams learn fate for upcoming Champions League season under new league format

The 36 teams competing in the upcoming 2024/25 UEFA Champions League – the most prestigious competition in European club football –learned who they will play in the competition’s newly revised format after the draw took place in Monaco on Thursday.

Teams were assigned their eight opponents – two from each of the four pots – in the new league phase through the help of technology.

First, teams were manually picked from a bowl by former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon before five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo pressed a button to begin the scheduling process by a computer, with the opponents appearing on screen shortly afterwards.

Reigning champion Real Madrid will face the team it beat in last year’s final, Borussia Dortmund, at home, with a trip to Liverpool among its eight fixtures.

2022/23 champion Manchester City was also handed a rematch

Real Madrid’s players celebrate winning the 2023/24 Champions League after beating Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley Stadium on June 1

of its victorious final against Inter Milan, as well as away trips to Paris Saint-Germain and Italian giant Juventus in its eight match-

Clark breaks WNBA rookie three-point record

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark continued her sublime debut WNBA campaign by breaking another rookie record against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old led the Fever to an 84-80 win against Connecticut, scoring 19 points on the night.

Clark’s haul included her 86th three-pointer of her opening season in the WNBA, helping her to break a rookie record set by Rhyne Howard at the Atlanta Dream in 2022.

While Howard achieved her record of 85 three-pointers in a regular 34-game season, Clark hit her 86th in her 31st game.

It’s the latest in a growing number of record-breaking achievements from Clark during her opening campaign in the WNBA.

Clark leads the WNBA this season in three-pointers, having extended her total to 88 during the win against Connecticut.

She has already set a singleseason rookie record (224) for assists and has more assists and more turnovers than any other player in the league this season.

Clark was drafted as first pick by the Fever in 2024 after breaking multiple records in her college years at the University of Iowa.

committee and will see qualification “based on sporting merit.”

From this season, UEFA hopes, fans will get to see more top-level matches earlier in the competition with higher stakes in each game.

The primary change is that 32 teams will no longer compete in eight groups of four during the group stages. Instead, the opening round will be an expanded 36-team stage in which the teams participate in a single league.

Each team will play eight matches against eight different clubs, four at home and four away. The teams each club plays will be selected from four seeded pots (based on ranking) with two opponents being drawn from each – with one home game and one away game per pot.

ups.

PSG looks to have one of the toughest draws of the Pot 1 teams, with games against City, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal selected for the French club.

The match dates and kickoff times will be announced on Saturday.

SO HOW WILL THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WORK STARTING THIS 2024/25 SEASON?

According to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, the new format was passed unanimously by the organization’s executive

This is a departure from the former group-stage format, in which teams played against the three other teams in their group twice (one home and one away game per opponent).

UEFA says that it wants clubs to test themselves against a wider range of opposition and believes that the top teams will “go head to head more often and earlier in the competition” in the new format.

The top eight teams in the league will qualify automatically for the knockout round, and the teams ranked ninth to 24th will have to compete in a two-legged play-off to determine who also reaches the last 16.

Unlike the current format, there will be no opportunity for teams to qualify for the Europa League as

those finishing 25th or lower, as well as those who lose their playoff tie, will be eliminated.

The victorious teams in the play-off round will then face the top eight seeded teams in the first knockout round (last-16 stage) before the quarterfinals, semifinals and a showpiece, one-off final. The 2025 final will be staged at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

WILL THE EUROPA LEAGUE AND CONFERENCE LEAGUE BE AFFECTED?

The Europa League, Europe’s second-tier club competition, will follow the same, revamped format as the Champions League next season.

The Europa Conference League will be rebranded as the UEFA Conference League and will see teams play six matches against six different opponents in the league phase.

Both competitions will also have 36 teams.

WHEN WILL THE GAMES TAKE PLACE?

The league phase of the Champions League and Europa League will take place between September and January, while the Conference League’s first stage will be held between September and December. Games will still be midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) and each of the three leagues will have their own exclusive match week. (BBC)

Nacional’s Izquierdo dies aged 27 after collapse

Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo has died after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match earlier this month with an irregular heartbeat.

The 27-year-old Uruguayan suffered a cardiac arrest after collapsing during Nacional’s game against Sao Paulo on 22 August.

Izquierdo had been receiving treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo and Nacional initially described his condition as ‘stable’.

However, his condition worsened in recent days.

“It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” his Uruguayan side posted on X.

“We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”

On hearing the news, a spokesperson for Brazilian side Sao Paulo said it was a “sad day for football”.

Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez said: “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”

Fifa president Gianni Infantino added: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo.

Caitlin Clark was a first draft pick for the Indiana Fever in 2024

Juan Izquierdo collapsed on the pitch on 22 August

Guardians win twice to make PAL basketball semis

The Guardians won in the 13U and 16U divisions to book semi-final spots in the Police Action League (PAL) basketball competitions at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex court.

In the latest round of games, the virtual quarter-finals, the Guardians defeated the Badgers in the 13U battle 54-33 with Yeniel Santana scoring a big doubledouble 17 points and 14 rebounds to go with four assists.

Winzario LeFrance also scored a double-double for the Badgers (17 points and 10 rebounds).

In the other 13U clash, the Avengers got past Seaquest 4127 with Davli Hidalgo-Susana exploding with 18 points and 18 boards.

Frantz Junior led Seaquest with 12 points.

The victories propelled both

teams to the semi-finals of their division.

In the older age group, the Guardians whipped the Commanders 60-35 with Justin Forbes leading the way with 24 points and six boards.

Junior Desire led Commanders with 13 points.

In the other 16U game, Seaquest defeated the Badgers 58-44.

Allan Gedeon was in shooting mode, he led the game with a weekhigh 31 points and two assists, while Carlens Louis led Badgers with 13 points and five rebounds.

When the teams meet in this Saturday’s semis, Commanders will battle the Guardians and Skyhawks will meet Avengers in the 13U division; while in the 16U, Avengers and Seaquest will battle, followed by Skyhawks and the Guardians.

Avengers into softball championship

The Avengers defeated the Guardians 13-4 to gain momentum as the Police Action League three-team softball battle nears the championship clash. Despite losing their match, 14-15 against the Guardians, Skyhawks are still on top in run difference.

On Saturday, August 31, they will battle against the Avengers in the softball championship.

Avengers will look to build on their momentum, while Skyhawks have to refocus in the championship clash

Justin Forbes scored 24 points and pulled down six boards for the Guardians in the 16U division

The Avengers 13U team also reached the final four

Yaniel Santana had a solid doubledouble for the Guardians’ 13U team

2024 SURFside swim camps draw record 150 local participants

This past July and August, nearly 150 youngsters and adults joined SURFside Ocean Academy’s 6th annual swim camps in Grand Turk and North Caicos. Organised by SURFside founder and director, Morgan Luker, the camps provide five days of professional swim training sessions for swimmers at every level from “never-ever” to advanced. The highly touted SURFside camps aim to broaden swim and water safety programmes beyond Provo to the other islands.

In Grand Turk, Ms Luker led the swim sessions off the Front Street beach with instructors Henry Harries-Jones and Erin McCoy. At the Sandy Point Beach in North Caicos, Ms Luker conducted the sessions with the instructor team of Laranda Parker and Ben Stubenberg. Several essential volunteers on each island assisted

in organising the groups according to ability and age, as well as providing in-water support and co-

teaching.

“We strive to give each student some individual instruction

according to their ability to ensure they learn the right technique,” said Ms Luker. “At the same time, we incorporate water safety so that students are more aware of the ocean and how to handle emergencies. We also have a longrange goal of developing proper swim programmes and teams in Grand Turk and North Caicos that can one day compete with youngsters on Provo. We hope that in turn will lead to more swim instructors and coaches. The talent is definitely there!”

Ms Luker expressed huge thanks to sponsors who made the swim training possible. On Grand Turk, one individual local water sports operator contributed 100% of the funding. On North Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay and the TCI Sports Commission covered costs. Ms Luker noted that Salt Raker

Inn and TCI Ferry also contributed significantly to lowering the operational expenses of the camps. The People & Culture Relations Manager at Parrot Cay, Jessica Missick, summed up the sentiment: “We often seek opportunities to develop skills within our neighbouring communities and maintain a longstanding relationship that we have with the Twin Islands. This activity aligns … perfectly with our mission ‘To Make A Difference’.

SURFside hopes to follow up with another multi-day swim clinic on Grand Turk in the fall and a four-week swim programme on North Caicos in October. Since 2010, SURFside has been offering a variety of water sports camps and activities, including swim training for TCI residents across the islands.

Mastering floating is important when learning to swim

The camp included youths and adults (Morgan Luker photos)

Children were taught the fundamentals of swimming

Adults were also a part of the camp