TC Weekly News December 10 - 16, 2022

Local businesses to get more money through MSME grants

Micro, small and medium-sized business owners in the TCI will now be able to apply for additional funds from the Government to help weather economic storms.

This comes as the House of Assembly recently passed the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill 2022.

“A business that has been granted a concession order can apply after six months for an additional cash grant up to $10,000, but to be eligible for the additional grant, those businesses will need to show that they have met certain KPIs”, the Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade Hon Erwin Jay Saunders explained.

Saunders who presented the bill to the House of Assembly on Thursday, December 1, said that within a 12-month period, eligible businesses will be able to receive total cash grants of up to $20,000 for Micro enterprises, $30,000 for small enterprises, and $40,000 for Medium enterprises.

He said: “Previously, only Micro businesses were eligible to receive grants and that was up to $10,000.”

Saunders stressed that the enhancements to the MSME programme come at a time when the Turks and Caicos Islands are at a critical juncture.

“On one hand, the global economy faces enormous challenges in a post-covid

environment, leaving businesses in recovery mode, and particularly putting a strain on small businesses; but on the other hand, Mr Speaker, through our government’s prudent handling of the economy, the TCI has been able to revitalise itself, and as it stands now, it presents enormous opportunities for local businesses to grow and thrive, and most of all, contribute to the sustained growth of these islands.”

The Finance Minister underscored that the amendment to the ordinance which will enhance the grant of concession orders to all entrepreneurs (and would-be entrepreneurs) will have significant economic benefits to the islands.

He said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the US economy: they create two-thirds of net new jobs and drive U.S. innovation and competitiveness.

“A new report shows that they account for 44 percent of US economic activity, this is a significant contribution…”

“In commenting on the findings, Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Major L. Clark stated that “… small businesses continue to be at the forefront of driving innovation, jobs and economic growth.

“These findings mirror what is happening in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Micro, small, and medium enterprises are no less important to the TCI economy”, he added.

He pointed out that more than 90% of businesses across the TCI

are micro, small, and medium enterprises, and they contribute to more than half of the country’s GDP, and employ more than 40% of the workforce.

CONCESSION ORDERS

Governed by the ordinance, the MSME programme makes provision for the Government to provide Concession Orders to qualifying locally-owned businesses operating in identified priority business sectors.

The Concession Orders allow the company or start-up access to specific benefits, including cash grants, customs duty reduction and/ or technical assistance depending on the size of the business.

As part of the amendments, a small business will also be able to receive a reduction in customs import duties on capital equipment, raw materials, and spare parts for the construction of a project of up to a maximum of $10,000 for a micro-enterprise, $25,000 for a small enterprise, and $100,000 for a medium enterprise.

Additionally, businesses can also receive a Technical Assistance Grant of up to $5,000 for micro enterprises, $10,000 for small enterprises, and $15,000 for medium enterprises.

Erwin Jay Saunders

Saunders said: “Start-up businesses are also eligible to receive a cash grant of up to $10,000 for Micro enterprises, $20,000 for small enterprises, and $30,000 for Medium enterprises.

Coupled with this, the application process for the grants was also simplified, as some residents have bemoaned the complicated system in the past.

He said: “Regardless of how high we increase the grant amounts, it will be all for naught if businesses can’t access it.

“Persons have been complaining that the process was too lengthy –the application form was five pages.

“We have now reduced that application process down to two pages. Mr Speaker, I know of only two previous times in the history of the world when a complex process was made so simple – the introduction of the 10 Commandments (c1446BC) and the introduction of the iPhone

(January 2007)”, he added.

A micro enterprise is a business that is registered under the Business Licensing Ordinance with no more than five employees; no more than $500,000 in assets; and no more than $250,000 in annual turnover.

A small enterprise is a business with no less than six employees, but not more than nineteen employees; no more than $1,000,000 in net assets; and no more than $1,000,000 in annual turnover.

While a medium enterprise is a business with no less than twenty employees, but not more than twenty-five employees; no more than $2,500,000 in net assets; no more than $2,500,000 in annual turnover; and has been in operation for a minimum of ten years.

The minister revealed that for the period beginning from the 1st of April 2022 -the 30th of November 2022, the government issued 24 Concession Orders to the tune of $365,830.00.

Dockyard shooting leaves two hospitalised

– no fatalities, gun recovered

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Police are investigating the circumstances under which two men were shot during the midmorning hours of December 4.

Last Sunday, sometime around 9:27am, the police control room received a call of gunshots being heard in the vicinity of Dockyard in Providenciales.

A team of officers were dispatched to the location where they found two men wounded from gunshot injuries. At the scene, the police officers recovered a gun suspected to have been used in the shooting.

Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams who

visited the scene the same morning, in a statement following the incident stated that the Force is aware of video footage of part of the incident being circulated.

“I wish to remind the public to desist from circulating such images as they can impede the ongoing investigation.

“In addition, if you are in possession of any footage taken, I kindly asked that you hand it over to the police as this may assist with the furtherance of our investigations,” Adams advised.

He said the shooting does not appear to be gang-related, however, investigators will follow the evidence wherever it

leads.

“The RTCIPF is appealing for witnesses to come forward and tell us what you know. We are committed to ensuring your safety and security in these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Additionally, persons with information on this incident or other illegal activities are asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

All calls are answered in the United States and managed by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency. The calls are anonymous and cannot be traced in the United States or the TCI.

Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade Hon

Bloodline Row: Government clarifies its position on third-generation citizenship

BY DELANA ISLES

The government has cleared up misconceptions and unclear language emanating from the last town hall meeting which caused quite a stir among residents.

Immigration and Belonger status have always been hot topics in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but during the November 21 public meeting it became a touchy one.

At that meeting, the Minister of Immigration, Hon Arlington Musgrove announced the government’s intention to take an amended Immigration Bill to the House of Assembly, with a specific aim of granting thirdgeneration Turks and Caicos Islanders the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

Following up on this announcement, comments made by the Premier, Hon Charles Washington Misick sparked some confusion and displeasure.

The Premier told the meeting: “One of the things we have to do is decide what our population is going to look like, in the next 10, 20, 30, 50 years… we have to make a decision in this country whether we want to expand our population, by our own bloodline.

“However, are we going to continue to import people, give them work permits, give them PRCs, and then give them status, while we have our own people next door, only qualified to the second generation?

“It would be far better if we extend that status to our own bloodlines… so that is one of the considerations that you as the public will have a say in… and that is what the government's feeling is on this matter.”

These were the polarising comments that set off a slew of online commentary.

Many residents were displeased and perplexed why the government would want to grant citizenship to any additional group, while the territory is losing its young bright minds because of the lack of opportunities for them on island.

Others also questioned why the focus is on Bahamians, as people of TCI lineage are from other countries as well.

During the meeting this is what the Premier had to say regarding this issue: “We have to be comfortable in our own skins because I hear people all the time, criticising TI-Bahamians.

“People who've been away… for many years, whose parents left, and they have come back, and they left for the first place in order to make a better living.

“So, we have to decide who we want here, whether we want our own people bloodline to come back and live and benefit from the growth here, or whether we prefer, total strangers, to do it.”

Displeased residents are calling for better opportunities to be provided for native TC Islanders before any further move is made to allow anyone else into the territory.

Similarly, non-native Belongers expressed their own worry at the Premier’s comments, with speculations as to the government’s intent to close the path to citizenship off to expatriates who work, live and contribute significantly to the Islands.

IMMIGRATION MINISTER CLARIFIES

Earlier this week, Minister Musgrove sought to clarify the misconceptions, reiterating that his government’s intention is to strengthen ties with the diaspora and to welcome them as the first option for population expansion for the future.

He stated that the government wants to manage the future of the TCI’s population by attracting the return of members of the diaspora as the first option for imported growth, and by recognising second and third-generation descendants as Turks and Caicos Islanders by right.

He explained: “The simple truth is that the population of our country is growing by leaps and bounds year on year, through accidental status, if you will, work permit holders attaining PRC who are then naturalised as BOTC. In the same token, Turks and Caicos Islander Status numbers have largely remained flat in comparative periods.

“When we look at the current

state and projections for the population, as noted in the recent Population Policy Consultant’s Report, it is estimated that we are increasing in size at rates of four and five per cent, when we should be managing a controlled two per cent growth rate instead.”

The minister further noted that even if they manage to bring the rate down to two per cent, it is projected that by 2040, the population will be near or about 50,000 with tight immigration control measures, but it is still estimated that Turks and Caicos Islanders will only be 15,000 in number, less than a quarter of the population, maximum.

“This is not sustainable for us as a people which, based on today’s birth and death records, could cause near extinction if certain steps aren’t taken.

“So, we are looking at how this can be balanced.”

He said the task of the Immigration and Population

Council is to determine the treatment of births in the TCI, the control of accidental status by work permit and PRC, and the growth in the number of TC Islanders.

Musgrove said that while the council’s proposals will be taken to consultation, it is the government’s contention that it is better to increase the number of Islanders with descendants of their own flesh and blood in the first instance, and then by other means – be it local childbirth to foreign parents, or by grant.

Musgrove assured that the government is not deaf to the concerns of the people.

“We understand that there is inherent risk in opening our country to further generations, but we must recognise that there is inherent risk in opening our doors to anybody. So, the answer to those concerns is internal policing and security strategies.”

He added that while the Bahamas was mentioned, as the TCI’s

closest neighbours, with the largest diaspora of Turks and Caicos Islands descendants, the extension of status by right to second or third generation, will be to all, not just Bahamas-based Turks and Caicos Islander nationals.

He said none of this will be done in a haphazard way, and that incentives for young people to remain in TCI, to return and thrive, will be a major part of their strategy, as well as incentives to encourage childbearing among Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“So, I ask the public to be patient and to know that, again, this is the work being undertaken by the Council.

“There will be widespread consultation with the public because we have to engage everyone in shaping our future, and this is what this government is committed to doing - working with the people and for the people, always,” Minister Musgrove stated.

Public Appeal

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick (third from left) makes a point during the town hall meeting in Provindenciales. Also in photo (l-r) are the Minister of Border Control and Immigration, Hon Arlington Musgrove; Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Erwin Jay Saunders; Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor; Minister of Physical Planning, Hon Jamell Robinson; and Minister of Health, Hon Shaun Malcolm.

SHOULD LEGAL STATUS BE REVOKED?

Premier Washington Misick said the Government is "fully onboard" with revoking the legal status of people who commit serious offences, including murder in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Misick said a policy to strip serious offenders of their legal status in the territory is currently being drafted. His remarks came in response to a recommendation made by a resident during a town hall meeting in Providenciales recently. As an unprecedented crime wave gripped the territory in recent weeks, residents have not only called on the Government to ramp up crime-fighting measures but also to revisit the status laws and rescind them when necessary. Speaking at the meeting held at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex, a resident who raised the matter said: "We need to implement deprivation of citizenship that is conducive to the public good, for those who pose a threat to the TCI by committing heinous crimes, cause harm to society." What are your thoughts?

Needed measures

I was wondering when they were going to get around to doing so!!! IT IS ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!

Native TC Islanders need more support

In the UK, the power to revoke UK Citizens can and has been used. Even though it is done sparingly, it does comply with UN Convention on Reduction of Stateless (UN, United Nations, UN Treaties, Treaties. 29.3.66), Retrieved 6.12.22.

"Paragraph 3 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of Article 8, the United Kingdom retains the right to deprive a naturalised person of his nationality on the following grounds, being grounds existing in the United Kingdom law at the present time: that, inconsistently with his duty of loyalty to Her Majesty, ii. HAS CONDUCTED HIMSELF IN A MANNER SERIOUSLY PREJUDICIAL TO THE VITAL INTEREST OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY."

Let's also talk about ensuring that Turks and Caicos Islanders by descendants have exclusive and/or more benefits in our own country. It means that indigenous Turks and Caicos Islanders would pay less fees for NIB and NHIP. It would mean restricting ALL business licence for Turks and Caicos Islanders only, where investors and BOTCs have to partner with a Turks and Caicos Islander to conduct business here. TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS first! We are an endangered species here and must be protected.

Make anyone who can trace their ancestors in the TCI prior to 1950 automatically a Turks and Caicos Islander up to the 5th generation. The "prior to date" needed for limitations purposes.

UK must change their laws to allow citizenship for persons who can show heritage up to three or four generations including Turks and Caicos Islanders born outside the jurisdiction.

Legal status is not written in stone

I totally support such a move. We cannot allow people to abuse such a grand privilege that was gifted to them.

An ill-conceived measure

This is a rather bizarre, far-reaching and draconian step on the part of the current Government. The initiative to revoke one’s status owing to murder is subject to debate as in one instance, no one has the right to take another’s life. The penalty is, therefore, outside of life sentencing, a removal from the territory.

It does not go far enough. The "eye for an eye doctrine" has been removed by the Privy Council in London, the TCI’s final Court of Appeal. It is a hapless initiative, and one wonders if this measure would make it out of the AGS Chambers or survive a proper Human Rights Review?

It is not a safe or proper exchange in this proposed transaction. A life lost and owing purely to the incident of nationality or residence and in the case of a Non-Turks & Caicos Islander, the Governor is considering a precarious notion to rid the islands of that “cancer”. What about the TC Islander youth, who is dispossessed of “humanity”, given to privilege and decides to unlawfully take a life?

You have many instances in certain Caribbean nations where family and friends are part of the judicial oversight, the privileged son or daughter takes an innocent life, and that offspring is protected from any kind of prosecution.

I believe that some of the killings taking place in the TCI are by children of highlyprivileged persons, persons of power, men who spoil their sons and bring them up as if they are above the law. Consequently, the judicial system, without the aid of the death penalty, wouldn’t be able to do anything about that except wring its hands in frustration. It is an ill-thought-out idea and will not go anywhere to dealing with the culture of crime and criminality taking the streets of the TCI by this Generation X.

New ideas required

The issue of law enforcement and crime fighting is “here and now”. The criminal,

the callous murderer has little concern for life and limb. Much less talking about a status that he cares little for. The mindset of the usual killer is getting that immediate sense of revenge or exacting some hurt and pain for the moment.

To think of this measure, deportation or the revocation of status, cannot be seen as effective or a viable deterrent. It signals more than ever that the Government has run out of ideas for developing an effective deterrent to crime and street killers. More effort should be given to stemming the current spate of crime.

Revocation of a criminal’s status is subject to legal challenge and a long and drawn-out judicial process. Too much time would be wasted trying to get them out of the country and sending them to their home country, which would not want them back anyhow.

Death penalty needed

M aybe this Government should develop a policy dialogue with the public and Official Opposition. Such dialogue would ably inform the policy-making process on what is an effective crimefighting deterrent. Thought needs to be given to restoring the death penalty, even if by lethal injection. Life imprisonment is not an option. They know parole is somehow possible. There should be scanning machines all over the islands

A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day

Over 145 recommendations made to improve Crown land management

– TCI/UK Crown Land Report completed

The long-awaited TCI and UK Governments' joint independent review of the management of Crown Land in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been completed.

To this end a 308-page final report was published on December 1, 2022, replete with 146 joint recommendations, to improve the

management of this resource and maximise its use for the benefit of all the people of Turks and Caicos Islands.

The recommendations cover a wide range of areas, including future allocations of Crown land, existing conditional purchase leases, and unauthorised

occupation, a statement from the government on Thursday, December 8, said.

The list of recommendations also covers improvements to the processes surrounding crown land in order to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and improve the fairness of the distribution of land rights, and details proposed amendments to the Crown Land Ordinance as the government works to provide adequate housing and enhanced communities in the territory.

Premier Misick and Lord Goldsmith-UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, have

agreed to accept the report’s recommendations, subject to affordability, phasing and legal considerations.

The Premier said: “Our two countries share a commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, open, and cooperative access to crown land, while ensuring that it remains a sustainable and resilient resource for generations to come. I welcome the joint review final report as it remains my government's vision to seek equitable access for the people of these islands.”

Commenting on the report, Lord Goldsmith said: “I welcome this joint review and its set of practical and well-considered recommendations to improve the utility of crown land in TCI and generate a more efficient and transparent process.

the TCI in order to provide a better quality of life for residents.

He said: “I know a lot of people are anxious to know what is happening with land, particularly residential land.

“People are anxious because they want to be able to get access to Crown land, their land, to be able to build their homes without having to stick their hands in a garbage bag and take out a number.”

The territory’s leader reiterated his Government's intention to diverge from the old ways of distributing land to citizens.

He said: “There's always been agreement that that system is unworkable and we're in the process of having a comprehensive plan for reforming that.

Continued

so that at each entrance, vehicles with guns, knives and dangerous weapons could be detected and captured.

The issue is one of deterrence and not dealing with “after the fact” ideas such as revocation of status. Iconography such as Turks & Caicos islander Status is of no importance to the “boys in the hood” who are hell-bent on killing whomsoever they wish.

Attack the root causes of crime

More time, policy debate and fiscal space should be invested on social trends, behavioural patterns amongst the youth so that the reality of being “cold and detached from society” could be detected early on and dealt with. Youth in schools, from troubled homes or no homes at all, should be given guidance and counselling by the church and state to prevent them opting for a life of crime.

Detached youth tend to pivot to the “wild and free” distractions such as gangs, weapons and a life without law and order. It is time to study these trends in the school system so that something could be done before “they” leave home or the school environment.

So many factors contribute to crime and murder but a hallmark of this is social detachment from young, broken homes, fatherlessness, and bad parenting. Revocation of Turks & Caicos Islander status is the least of their worries.

Deportation necessary, but prison a priority

All none TC Islanders who commit crimes in the TCI should be deported. If the crime is serious then they need to be jailed first. We are not a correctional facility, we are a country with Godfearing citizens, who have had enough hardships to deal with over the pandemic and subsequent issues.

We need our country back and these are needed rules that must be in place.

There are hard-working immigrants

Let’s face facts, how many people who come to the TCI legally and acquire their status commit crimes? Did the Government research this number? Most criminals are either born here or come here via illegal methods.

Most persons here with status cards are here to work, they live simple lives and relish the day that they can return to their families.

We need to start thinking about the long-term implications of some of these laws. It’s almost as if this Government is pulling them out of the air.

TCI is not a country of only belongers and those who contribute to its development must also be respected.

What we are seeing is an elitist mindset adopted to appease the voting population, not a Government that is concerned about all decentminded residents.

“I applaud the Premier for raising his concern with the UK on behalf of TCI, I hope our partnership on this project, drawing on professional expertise, paves the way for future collaboration and is a symbol of our ongoing commitment to work in partnership with the TCI Government.

“The TCI Government has our full support as they move ahead to implementation and delivery of these reforms.”

Last year, prior to commissioning the review, Premier Misick spoke extensively of his administration’s “big plans” to revolutionise housing and community development in

“But also to take a holistic view, a very practical view as to how Crown land is to be handled in the future.”

The joint independent review of the management of Crown Land in the TCI was completed through Members of the public and a wide range of stakeholders were consulted by Attorney at law Mr R Donhue Gardiner, TCI Attorney with experience in land law and policy development in the TCI, and Professor Simon Cooper PhD, an expert in Caribbean land law and registration systems.

In a subsequent publication, the Weekly News will divulge the recommendations made in the Crown land report.

Arms case against family dismissed

Acting Supreme Court Justice Jolyon Hatmin has dismissed a case against a family of three after the prosecution failed to present their evidence at the sufficiency hearing.

The mother, Shanella Francis Forbes, her spouse Jermaine Morris, and son Yzhavin Forbes were on Friday, December 2, freed on charges of possession of illegal firearm, ammunition, and drugs for which they were arrested in October this year.

When the case came up for a sufficiency hearing before

Hatmin last week, prosecutor Enjaleek Dickenson applied to the court for an adjournment to produce evidence.

Defence counsels Sheena Mair and Lara Maroof-Misick opposed the application and applied for the charges against their clients to be dismissed for lack of evidence.

Justice Hatmin granted the defence application, citing that the prosecution presented no evidence at the evidentiary hearing to take the matter forward.

Crown land review Consultation meeting with the members of the People’s Democratic Movement PDM- (left row) in February 2022

TCI virtually attending UN Biodiversity Conservation Conference

The world is currently facing a human-caused extinction crisis and 196 countries are coming together to try to do something about it at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, COP15 (Conference of the Parties).

Global leaders converged in Montreal, Canada for the COP15 on Wednesday, December 7 to discuss strategies, goals, and funding to help save the world's ecosystems and keep the planet functioning.

The high-level conference which runs until December 19, will see governments adopting a new set of goals to guide global action through 2030 to halt and reverse critical nature loss.

According to the United Nations, nature is critical to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.

As such, the adoption of a bold global biodiversity framework that addresses the key drivers of nature loss is needed to secure human health and well-being alongside that of the planet.

Like many other countries, the Turks and Caicos Islands depend very heavily on ecosystems for sourcing food, and jobs for locals, and largely as an attraction to millions of visitors to the Islands per year.

Against this backdrop, the territory is working to promote sustainable environmental practices, and conserve biodiversity.

Although physical representation from the TCI was notably missing from the opening sessions, the local delegation attended the conference virtually.

Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management Hon Josephine Connolly told the Weekly News that the TCI did not travel to Montreal for the conference “due to other commitments”.

She said: “We will be attending virtually, my Ministry through the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, is currently developing legislation that will allow the Turks and Caicos Islands

to become full signatories to the convention.

She explained that the convention on biological diversity is an international agreement that allows countries to protect the genetic resources of their flora and fauna to avoid exploitation of these resources.

“For example, if a vital medicine is derived from an endemic plant in the TCI, any profits from the sale and production of that medicine would be given to the TCI.

“We are looking forward to an informative session and hope to gain insight into how the convention is working in the region

RTCIPF launches investigation against former officer over Rahming connection

BY OLIVIA ROSE

A criminal investigation has been launched into serious allegations regarding the association of a former RTCIPF officer and deceased gang leader Brandon Leonard Rahming.

Days after notorious gang leader and murderer, 32-year-old Rahming, was shot and killed by police, a litany of allegations began to spread like wildfire across social media as residents attempted to piece together his reign of terror.

Numerous voice notes and unsubstantiated text messages have surfaced connecting the wanted man to a former female police officer.

Text messages shared in various WhatsApp groups and on popular social media pages purported that Rahming had been in a relationship

with the former police staff.

Some residents surmised that the infamous criminal was able to evade law enforcement for weeks as he may have been tipped off on various operations.

Commenting on these allegations, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said they are “aware of comments being made on social media platforms alleging corruption by a former member of our staff”.

“The seriousness of these allegations has triggered the commencement of a criminal investigation”, the Police said in a statement on Saturday, December 3.

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting commenting on the matter said: “I am asking that if any person has evidence of police corruption or any other criminal activity,

provide this information directly to me, an officer (s) whom you trust or through Crime Stoppers.”

Residents were reminded to call Crime Stoppers, an anonymous tip hotline that is answered in the United States and managed by the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency.

“The calls are anonymous and cannot be traced in the United States or the TCI”, the Commissioner added.

Rahming a former resident of the Bight, Providenciales, and Freeport, Bahamas was at the top of the crime sleuths' list of wanted people in connection with murder, drugs and illegal firearm possession.

Over this period, Rahming had boldly threatened residents using various social media platforms,

and what best practices may be adopted for the TCI”, the Minister added.

COP15 is a chance to reinvigorate efforts to protect the stunning diversity of plants and animals on Earth, but experts are clear that soaring rhetoric and ambitious targets won’t be enough.

Scientists, advocates and government leaders all agree that stronger laws and policies to protect nature, as well as new investments in conservation, are needed to ensure any goals set out in December are achieved.

According to the United Nations website, the 12- day sessions of

COP15 are looking to achieve; the “Adoption of an equitable and comprehensive framework matched by the resources needed for implementation.

“Clear targets to address overexploitation, pollution, fragmentation and unsustainable agricultural practices.

“A plan that safeguards the rights of indigenous peoples and recognizes their contributions as stewards of nature and finance for biodiversity and alignment of financial flows with nature to drive finances toward sustainable investments and away from environmentally harmful ones.”

most recently under a Facebook post

Rahming – or a Facebook profile purporting to be him –along with his criminal cohorts

under the post, promising to kill residents and their family members should anyone provide police with information as to his whereabouts.

A shooting in the Downtown Providenciales area of Dock Yard ended in death for the wanted man during a police operation on Wednesday, November 23.

Brandon Leonard Rahming (deceased)

issued by the police offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts and arrest.

had boldly threatened commenters

Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary, UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Huang Runqiu, President, COP15 and Minister of Ecology and Environment of China and Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Canada, attend the opening of COP15 (The Canadian Press photo).

Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management Hon Josephine Connolly

Youth Parliament returns with topical minimum wage bill

BY DELANA ISLES

The Turks and Caicos Islands Youth Parliament returned this past week with eight young people stoutly debating a hot topic in the territory – increasing the minimum wage.

Appearing for the government was an all-female team, namely: Hon Dixie Smith, Premier and Minister of Public Policy; Hon Sasha Arthur, Minister of Health and Human Services; Hon Jatavia Howell, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming, Disaster Management; Hon Le-Anna Sutton, Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, Immigration and Employment Services and Hon Shakiah Lewis, Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation.

The all-male opposition members were Hon Manville Donnie Gardiner, Leader of the Opposition and Hon Andy Missick, Opposition Appointed Member.

Hon Adrian Parker was the Governor’s Appointed Member, while Alex Taylor appeared as Speaker of the House.

The parliamentary debate focused on the proposed increase in minimum wage from $6.25 to $8.50 per hour. This was presented via a National Living Wage Government Motion by the Minister of Employment, Hon LeAnna Sutton.

THE DEBATE

Presenting the motion Hon Sutton proffered that the minimum wage should be increased because the rise in the cost of living in the Islands and around the world, has made it challenging for people to make ends meet.

She presented that the increase

in minimum wage would improve the quality of the local workforce and the quality of life for citizens.

“A rise in minimum wage is justified and moral on social and economic grounds as it is important to decreasing the rate of poverty and improving quality of life for all in the TCI.”

She said that poverty is directly related to the low birth rate in the TCI, developmental delays in children and an increase in the likelihood of poverty in adulthood.

Pointing to the increases in the supermarket, rent and utilities, Hon Sutton said residents are being forced to work two and three jobs just to make a living wage, putting their families at risk and leaving their children without proper childcare.

Meanwhile, providing opposing arguments on the motion leader of the opposition, Hon Manville Donnie Gardiner said the issue is of great relevance to the young people of the Islands.

However, he questioned who the increase will affect – naming low-skilled workers and work permit holders as being the main beneficiaries.

“But what happened to the people that voted for them? This government has the right idea, they see the problem. In the first line of the motion, ‘the cost of living has increased across the globe’, they see the problem, but they have the wrong solution.”

Hon Gardiner said he finds it challenging to believe that the government thinks minimum wage alone is what is standing in the way of Islanders finding it hard to make ends meet, pointing to sky-high food prices.

Government members this year were all female

He said the government’s focus should first be on lowering costs: “Who can afford this pay increase? The local shop owners with five employees, or the foreign investors with huge corporations in this country?”

Gardiner called the motion visionless and uncaring: “Has the government asked their electorate what would give them hope? Do they even care about their lack of hope?

“Let me offer some hope for the young people: there is a government in waiting, there is a premier in waiting… with a clear vision for his people. We will no longer allow Turks and Caicos to be a free for all territory that works against its own people.”

He said the expatriates are the ones who benefit more in the TCI, and the young people of the Islands feel that outsiders have the advantage.

He said wage jobs are the starting point, but the government

must create opportunities for young people to climb up the ladder, not stay at the bottom of it.

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

Deputy Governor, HE Anya Williams welcomed the youths back to the House, after Covid-19 put a halt to the annual session in 2019.

“We cannot stress how important it is to work to build and develop the youth of these Islands, you often hear people say the youths are the future of these islands, that is absolutely correct.

“As a leader, it is our responsibility not to build followers, but to develop future leaders, and so your presence here today and your commitment to this programme is a testament to stepping forward, putting yourself forward as the future leaders of this country.

“I hope that other young persons will look at the work you are doing and will work to emulate that. I

can’t stress how important it is at this time when there is so many ills going on throughout society for positive programmes to be developed for the youth of these islands.”

Speaking about the chosen topic, the Deputy Governor said it is extremely relevant and timely.

Acting Premier, Hon Erwin Jay Saunders, also brought remarks at the opening of the session, urging the young leaders to put their best foot forward.

Similarly, so did the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood, who urged the young aspiring politicians to bring their A-game as he would take notes for when the time comes for the real bill to be presented to the Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He commended the all-female government side, stating that it would be commendable for the face of the government to be allfemale sometime in the future.

Opposition members and the governor appointed members presented well on the minimum wage motion

Acting Governor, HE Anya Williams welcomed youths back to the House of Assembly this week for Youth Parliament

Remember your roots

They were the foundations for your life

I recently spent the day on the island of South Caicos, my birthplace. I drove around and reflected on my life. Sometimes we are so preoccupied with this busy life that we don’t take the time to reflect and be grateful about our journey through life.

Sometimes we also act as if what we have today was always ours. We are where we are today based on the foundation of our early lives even if the foundation was not strong.

One of the main foundations of our lives was going to church every Sunday morning, night, and afternoon.

The thing is, we never got tired of the church. We may have been just religious, but we learned a lot about God and as a result, we grew up believing in God and doing the best we did to honour the word of God.

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

Going to church in my early life has made me the person I am today. I cannot forget the goodness of God and so I do my best to live a life pleasing and acceptable to him.

I am grateful for this foundation because I may have turned out to be someone else. Of course, there are some who received the same foundation but have strayed away. They act as if God does not exist. I challenge each of you to remember your biblical foundation as this is

the best foundation to build your life on.

Another foundation was family time. Every Sunday after dinner, we would purchase ice cream and fruit cocktail and enjoy family time, including playing dominoes and other games. Every day, I used to visit my grandmother and of course, every time I visited, she would talk about God.

Today, many of us are not spending time with our families

as we are so busy with our jobs, and we are like strangers to our families. We have also replaced family time with social media and other gadgets.

We need to spend more time with our families as they can never be replaced. Cherish and spend quality time with your loved ones like in the past. God wants us to have a family as a priority in our lives and so let us remember our families.

We also used to help one another frequently. Today, we are very selfcentred and don’t even care about, not only our neighbours but also our family. It is time we go back to our roots where we start caring and helping one another. No man is an island and really and truly we need each other.

We were also very content and satisfied with what we had. Whatever our parents provided us

to eat, we had to eat. Today, we are wasting so much food and not eating what was provided to us. We want to pick, choose, and refuse. The thing is we did not have many choices like now, but we survived and have become productive citizens.

Our parents also were comfortable with the money they had, and they made it stretch. Today we have become so greedy, and we want more and more and as a result, there is so much stealing and corruption. It is time we go back to our roots and be content and stop complaining.

I know this is a different era especially with the advancement of technology, however, I believe if we were to remember where we came from and try to incorporate some of the lessons from our past, we can have a better tomorrow and a better generation.

Vocational development and skills training essential for TCI’s development

Providenciales is rapidly developing. Foreign investors are increasingly pouring in –financing and establishing longterm businesses, and in the process, unleashing real economic benefits. Along the same vein, employment in the construction industry is rocketing, which promises to improve the livelihoods of every citizen.

But there is a gaping chasm amplifying across the populace –especially among youths – which requires urgent attention.

Every year hundreds of people fresh out of high school, and others, looking to further their careers,

are stopped short of doing so, as everyone cannot be employed within the hospitality sector.

While many opt for traditional hotel jobs; still, many more are unable to fill the technical vacancies within the industry and; more so, within the construction profession.

This setback has left an indelible mark on the populace and businesses throughout. So, I ask, why is the education system designed to allow all students to attend secondary school? How can we achieve any revolutionary breakthrough without technical skills? And why do we choose to do nothing when the global workspace is constantly changing?

Suitable responses to these salient questions are dramatised in the world around us. In the US, most Americans are enrolled in colleges and universities, studying arts, business and science. This has adversely impacted the workforce, and now America must rely on skilled workers from Latin America and the Caribbean to fill the skill gap, outside the corporate world of business.

During his presidency, Barack

Obama acknowledged this setback and drilled Congress to invest millions to retrain Americans as technicians, electricians, plumbers and auto mechanics.

Back in the TCI, as manifested in the results, not all students have the passion or the capacity to study mathematics, the English Language or science subjects at the high school level. Moreover, educators should know, attending a trade school is not solely about future earnings, as there are other intangible benefits in the opportunity for the students to fulfil their true potential, which would otherwise be implausible had they gone to secondary school.

Therefore, keeping the status quo places national employment at risk – especially, if the tourism sector succumbs to a prolonged pandemic, man-made crises or other unexpected disasters – even in a time when the construction industry is booming – having a skill can reap enormous benefits.

We can only embrace economic opportunities if the government instituted a technical college with a STEM focus – an approach to learning and development, which integrates the fields of science,

technology, engineering and mathematics. This programme would certainly propel an important and distinctive approach to education, tailored to meet the changing needs of students and employers in this present time.

By now, we have become complacent – focusing solely on the hospitality sector and; hence, the reason we fail to bridge the skill labour gap, and in the process, has given birth to our unwillingness for diversified education.

For a technical college programme to be successful, educators must first understand the students’ needs and passions. They must interview all students across the islands to ascertain relevant information. Still, the government must identify the fields and expertise, which the TCI lacks, and conduct a public-private sector survey to garner data and; thereafter, implement a technical programme to meet those urgent needs.

Career education is not only concerned with the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes, but it prepares workers to play a significant role in non-academic fields!

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.

BY D MARKIE SPRING

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

Looking giants in the eye

In 1994 Jim Collins and Jerry Porras coined the term BHAG in their seminal book, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. Since then, thousands of companies and nearly a million seminars and conferences, and personal talks have challenged people to have a BHAG. So what is a BHAG? In short, it’s a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. A BHAG is a goal that when people hear it, their eyes pop open, neural highways in the brain light up and thoughts collide, your sudoriferous glands kick into action (you sweat) and you have to take a deep breath before you speak.

When your personal or organizational BHAG comes to fruition, you get six-figure book deals and Hollywood producers knocking down your doors. So when Caleb, an 85-year-old naturalised Hebrew, raised an army and communicated to them his God-given desire to lead an army to dislodge giants from a wellfortified city, everyone gulped.

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.

Why was this such a daunting task, a BHAG, if ever there was one? These giants were not just your run-of-the-mill Shaquille O’Neal-type tall men. Nor were they just skilled warriors or evil dictators. These dudes were cut from a different cloth.

Genesis 6:4 says this, “4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown” (English Standard Version). The word Nephilim, when translated into English

means “fallen ones” and they are the product of supernatural beings who copulated with human women. (White, 2022). When the Israelites spied out the land 45 years before, these giant warriors scared the living daylights out of them.

This is what is recorded in Numbers 13:32 - 33 “32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from

the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” (English Standard Version).

Not only were these warriors tall and strong, but they had access to the supernatural world which is why it was said of them that “terror of the mighty men was in the land of the living.” (Ezekiel 32:27 ESV). Facing these giants involved dealing with men who were humanly strong and divinely empowered.

Beyond that, they caused everyone they came into contact with to whittle in fear. So when Caleb said “Let’s go up to Hebron

where these giants live and drive them out” no one was signing up. But Caleb was also cut from a different cloth (see Numbers 14:24). He had faith, not in his own powers and abilities, but in the God called Yahweh, the God of the people who had adopted him into their own nation.

What’s the biggest challenge facing you today? What’s the biggest challenge facing your community or nation today? As a church when we take a look around us we see several things that are causing people to live below their optimal best.

Lack of housing, mental health, gap in their leadership, resource lack, especially in food, and the clear, accurate presentation of the Word of God. So guess what, we are going to tackle all of them. We are going to provide housing, care, food, and knowledge to everyone who has a need. You can make a difference. Don’t be afraid, trust in God. And go face those giants.

YOU ARE.LOVED

Gift giving for him: no more boring gifts!

Buying any sort of gift for men is a ball-ache. There are just so many ties and DeWALT drills you can buy him. Perfumes are often an iffy pick and if you were thinking about buying socks or shaving cream, you might as well give him an unripe apple. He doesn’t want them.

At last, you no longer need to bang your head over what to get him this Christmas, I am here to help.

Instead of going with the cliche purchases, the ties, the socks, the aftershave and the coffee mugs, think outside the box. It's about time you step up the game, and I do not mean a green Rolex Submariner. Rather it is for your brother, your son, your husband or your male friend, I have some ideas for you.

YOUR MALE FRIEND GIN AND RUM

You can never go wrong with a bottle of alcohol. Get him a decent bottle of gin or rum. Even

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

if he does not drink he is bound to keep it in his cupboard for the boys when he invites them over. If you are in doubt, get one each, what the heck, one can never have too many bottles for guests.

FREE CAR WASH

This is not an insult. Most dudes I know love to have a clean car so go to his favourite car wash and pay for his next five car washes. This will be the best present you can give him. You may need to make an effort to creatively come up with a way to wrap this up in a nice bow. Good luck.

YOUR HUSBAND

LINGERIE

you.

YOUR SON MONEY

I can guarantee it_ if your son is between 14-19, he does not want anything from you. He wants money! Do not waste your time playing back what he once said he wanted eight months ago. Give him that $200 and let him use it as he sees fit. You will become the coolest parent, almost instantly.

YOUR BROTHER PAID DINNER

If he is single or in a relationship, let your brother pick his favourite restaurant in town and pay for both him and his plus one. Nothing else screams,“you are cared for”, more than when someone pays for you to have a great time. Let’s hope he does not abuse the offer.

SPEND TIME TOGETHER

OR SIMILAR

Twist the plot. Instead of him getting you sexy lingerie, you get him something spicy for you to take it off of him. It's about time we start blurring gender norms.

A PLANE TICKET

You know that island or city he always wants to go to. Pre-book it. Rather is it Las Vegas, Monte Carlo or Paris to see the Olympics, pay for his flight and yours as well. Do not send your man to Las Vegas alone or anywhere without

SHOES

If you must buy a present, shoes are your best bet! You can rarely go wrong there! However, do keep the receipt. Trend comes and goes and what’s in now may not be on the 25th. If you are thinking about gifting shoes, do go for the popular brands, Nike, Adidas, Converse etc. Do not, however, grow bitter and take offence if they actually want to change what you picked.

If you really want to give your brother a present. Instead of buying something he probably will only wear once, how about this? Let him pick a day and take him to whatever store he wants to go to. Then go for lunch and spend quality time together. Laugh and re-live the good old stories. This is the ultimate present.

Happy Holidays!

Do let me know what your best and worst Christmas gifts are at louisedens@gmail.com.

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

TCI is first stop on International Air Rally 2022

This week the JAGS McCartney International Airport came alive as aircraft enthusiasts from around the globe bore down on its runway.

On December 5 to 7, the Turks and Caicos Islands hosted the 11th Governor General Cup Air Rally, an annual event covered by major international aviation and travel magazines.

This year, the island of Grand Turk welcomed 21 teams with over 40 participants from Canada, USA and Europe for the two-day celebration.

The Air Rally event is a fundraising opportunity to introduce aviation and AI STEM programmes in high schools across Canada and USA.

Since its inception in 2001 the International Air Rally team has put together one of the largest International Air Rallies in the region. To date, over 500 pilots and aviation enthusiasts have travelled across Canada, USA, the Caribbean and Latin America in what is usually 13 days of adventure.

Each year the Air Rally

organisation offers a flight simulator to a school in one of the countries visited.

This year the Helena Jones Robinson High School was chosen as the beneficiary of a Microsoft Flight simulator donated by International Air Rally.

During the two days, the students of the HJ Robinson High School excitedly welcomed the teams to the island, to gain a better understanding of the aviation industry and to have the opportunity to see and test some of the airplanes and equipment.

Deputy Governor, HE Anya Williams and several government ministers and other officials travelled to Grand Turk to welcome the team.

She commented on the event: “I was so amazed at the level of knowledge possessed by many of the students that spoke about the online simulation tools that they

currently use at home and how they intend to make great use of the newly donated equipment.

“Our profound thanks to the participants of the 11th Annual Governor’s Cup Air Rally for once again making the island of Grand Turk the first stop on their rally and for the generous gift provided to the HJ Robinson High School.”

Dozens graduate from TCI Community College

Online banking and the elderly

Dear Sir, I understand that CIBC FirstCaribbean has issued an edict stating that from 3rd January 2023 it will no longer offer over-the-counter services for most banking transactions forcing people into online banking.

I also understand that when an elderly lady complained that she knew nothing about online banking she was told that she must learn.

The Bank said that this was its way to provide a modern banking system and implied this would improve its services to the community. This is just plain nonsense. Improving services has never been a priority for local banks. They know the public has no alternatives and they do what they want.

There are two things I particularly dislike having to

do each week. One is to go to the garbage dump and the other is to go to the Bank. As I have long since told my bank, I am not sure which is the worst!

Forcing people into online banking is about money and a way to get rid of expensive staff and replace them with machines. This, regrettably, is the modern way.

Money fraud has vastly increased as more and more transactions are conducted online. There are many people around the world whose daily task is to separate old people, who are unskilled online, from their savings. Has CIBC FirstCaribbean taken any special measures to deal with such risks and is it prepared to compensate elderly people it has forced into online banking who are robbed in this way?

Money is an essential part of life. It is difficult at any age

to adapt to new ways of doing things and particularly difficult when one is old. Young people grow up these days with a smartphone as an extension of their hands. The Banks need to be patient. Fortunately, we will always have old experienced people amongst us but the time will soon come when they too will be online experts.

I would respectfully suggest to CIBC FirstCaribbean, and to the other banks who are no doubt contemplating a similar move, to modify their plans and keep at least one counter teller to deal with people over 65, as they now do, and let them bank as they always have. It may cost a little money but it will earn them considerable goodwill amongst the elderly section of the community.

Yours sincerely,

Dozens of young people recently graduated from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) bachelor’s and associate degree programmes.

On November 25, 17 students received their bachelor’s degrees in business administration (finance and management or human resources); hospitality and tourism; primary education; social work and management information systems.

The valedictorian was Glodeeka Moultrie.

While 22 graduated with associate degrees in a wide range of subjects including: natural sciences; education; management; tourism; business; computer science; automotive engineering; social work; architecture and culinary arts. The valedictorian in the associate programme was Danae Dennie.

Nine vocational awards went to those studying electrical installation; customer service; commercial food preparation and food and beverage.

Resident Magistrate and TCICC alumni, Her Worship

Oreika Selver delivered an address to the graduates as the guest of honour.

Principal of TCICC, Dr Candice Williams and the Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor both remarked in their speeches that they would like to see the college be developed and desired as the educational establishment of choice for residents.

Commenting on the ceremony, HE Governor Nigel Dakin said it was good to see students who he first met in high school, particularly Clement Howell High, now graduating from the college.

He added: “What was evident was the pride on so many faces of the families of those children who had graduated and so much recognition, in the Valedictorian speech, as to how much support others had provided on their educational journey.

“We have some wonderful young people in these Islands, and yesterday was inspiring being in their presence and being able to share their moment of achievement. Onwards.”

International Air Rally 2022 flew off with its first visit in Grand Turk, and teams were welcomed by students of the HJ Robinson High and government functionaries (Photos: Deputy Governor ’s Office)

BTC FETES MATHEMATICS CHAMPIONS

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos recently treated talented mathematics champions Shecaniah Robertson and Emilly Charles and their families to a day filled with fun and excitement in recognition of their feat as the champions of the inaugural Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education mathematics competition.

Robertson and Charles, grade six students at Oseta Jolly Primary School in Providenciales, walked away winners in the recently held competition at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex turning back the challenge from 13 other primary schools. Beaches Turks & Caicos were supporting sponsors of the much-heralded academic event.

General Manager, James McAnally in welcoming the students and their families shared, “As a resort, we believe in championing educational advancement and opportunities and it was our pleasure to lend support for the competition with the provision of prizes. We are pleased to welcome our mathematics champions and their families and share the many amenities of our resort with them as a reward for their hard work. We remain excited to encourage future participants to work just as hard and come celebrate with us.”

As the saying goes, to the victors belong the spoils, as Robertson and Charles reaped the fruits of their hard work courtesy of a day pass for four at the luxury-included Beaches Turks and Caicos.

For Robertson, it was well received. “WOW… this

is a beautiful place. The team members here are kind and accommodating and they made us feel like we are tourists. The waterpark was the most ideal place for us to start and it was so much fun. The activities that we enjoyed included exploring and having fun at the Pirates Island.”

Her teammate and friend, Emilly added, “The food was good. We had the chance to dine at many of the restaurants and the variety was really great. Pirates Island Waterpark with slides, and X-Box room alone can finish the day if we had not gone to the beach to do any watersports or other restaurants or participate in any of the fun activities that were organised.”

Said Ava Robertson, mother of Shecaniah, “I am overwhelmed and very thankful to the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort and its general manager, Mr. McAnally for making this day so special and memorable for us as a family. This is a great motivation as these girls will now see that whenever they work hard academically, these perks will be forthcoming and we hope to be back soon.”

Emilly’s father, Edley Charles, who was a part of the day of frolicking believes it was a day well deserved. This, as he reflected on and spoke proudly of his daughter’s hard work and commitment in studying.

“It’s not difficult to support her, in fact, it is quite easy. This is because she is disciplined. When you find a child who listens, parenting and coaching become a bit easier because her studying habits can develop faster.

“Mathematics is a subject that calls for practice and mental discipline. Emilly is a child who enjoys the challenge and the competition they have won in order to be here. This is a good foundation for what our schools are doing in this subject area. For the Beaches Turks and Caicos to be major sponsor and provide for the champions this reward shows that the resort believes in the development of the children and people of Turks and Caicos. This is a commendable act on behalf of this corporate giant who puts their money where their mouth is, in building the nation, one child at a time,” Charles continued.

An ecstatic Emilly could barely contain her excitement following her first experience at the water park. “This experience is almost magical. These activities were only seen by me in magazines, but Beaches Turks and Caicos has allowed us to enjoy all the fun activities that tourists pay to come to this island to enjoy. As for my friend and I, we have achieved this dream occasion because of our academic discipline and the support that this resort has been giving to the children and for the development of education.”

Emilly’s teammate Shecaniah added, “Winning the competition was a very exciting time, but being here to live out this prize is like a dream come true. We were able to have fun and enjoy different kinds of meals. Emilly and I have been waiting for this celebration and I am happy that we are able to enjoy this treat from this world class resort.”

Shecaniah Robertson (left) and Emilly Charles float along the lazy river as they enjoyed their main prize in the primary school Mathematics competition from Beaches Turks and Caicos

Emilly Charles and her sibling (let) along with Shecaniah Robertson and her sibling float along the lazy river during their exploration of the Waterpark at BTC

Shecaniah Robertson (left) and Emilly Charles share a moment with the camera before they decided to explore the BTC Waterpark and the many dining opportunities

TCI delegation visits Bahamas for bilateral talks on national security

Governor Nigel Dakin and Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick recently led a delegation to the Bahamas for bilateral talks on issues of national security and foreign affairs with an aim of enhancing the operational relationship between TCI and The Bahamas.

The high-level delegation included members of the National Security Council, Assistant Commissioner Williams, Lieutenant Colonel Grant, the Permanent Secretary of National Security, and a team from the Premier's Office and the National Security Secretariat that arrived in the Bahamas on Sunday, December 4.

The TCI delegation was greeted by Bahamas’ Minister of Housing and Transport, Hon JoBeth ColebyDavis upon arrival.

As both nations face similar threats with issues relating to border security, informal settlements and development in Haiti, the series of meetings focused on strengthening of bilateral relations to help tackle these problems.

Commenting briefly on the visit, His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin in an Instagram post on Tuesday, December 6, said the meetings reinforced “the simple truth we have shared threats, and we intend to face them together”.

He said: “In separate meetings, we had time with: the Prime Minister, Hon Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon I Chester Cooper; the Foreign Minister Hon Frederick Mitchell; the Minster for National Security Hon Wayne Munroe, and the Commandant and Deputy Commandant of the Bahamas Defence Force; Commodore Raymond King and Captain Shonedal Pinder.

“I’ve been in many such

meetings but these stood out for the warmth of the reception, the determination to strengthen an already strong partnership, and a shared view of the regional challenges, and therefore solutions we must craft together.”

He stressed that the TCI delegation conveyed the territory’s appreciation to the Bahamas for that nation’s support to the TCI, especially in times of crisis.

“We from TCI had a simple agenda, to say thank you and acknowledge the way the relationship has deepened over the last year, be that policing support or working together at sea.

“To ensure we had a shared understanding of the challenges we would face in 2023, not least the deteriorating situation in Haiti.

“To explain how TCI - despite small compared to our Bahamas and US allies - could contribute further to the OPBAT alliance and to find further areas of collective security cooperation where all parties could benefit from a deeper relationship.

“We will provide more when we have agreed on the detailed work with our hosts - but for the moment - suffice to say - that on policing, maritime security, contingency planning, regimental and police training, intelligence exchange, technical support and interoperability, the direction of travel is only one way: forward.

“I am reassured that friendships invested in, and structures recently developed (be that the NSS or Regiment) give us the means to anchor and deepen the relationship while gratefully acknowledging our excellent hosts have made it clear that - on regional security - we are in this together”, Dakin added.

As part of the visit, Premier

HE Governor Nigel Dakin, Bahamas Minister of National Security, Hon Wayne Munroe and Premier Washington Misick

Premier Misick and Governor Dakin toured the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Base. (Office of the Premier photo)

The TCI delegation travelled to the Bahamas on Sunday (December 4) and was greeted by the Bahamas’ Minister of Housing and Transport, Hon JoBeth Coleby-Davis (middle) upon arrival.

Premier Misick and Governor Dakin, along with members of their delegation, met with senior leadership of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). (Office of the Premier)

Misick and Governor Dakin also toured the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) base.

The tour led by the leadership of the RBDF, allowed the TCI Delegation an opportunity to see

upfront the work the force is doing, especially as it relates to border security.

TCHTA adopts 30 corals to commemorate 30th anniversary

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) has adopted 30 corals as part of its 30th anniversary and service to the industry as a non-profit organisation.

In a release, the TCHTA noted that for years, water sport operators, avid scuba divers and stakeholders have pointed out that the vibrant reef has begun to see some marked deterioration.

The release stated that this has been due to both climactic and weather events, but also due to human negligence. “The issue is not just a local one, but a global occurrence. Naturally, development, overfishing, and added pressure from the growing visiting population lend to this problem, and mitigation is needed to save our reefs.”

In an effort to play their part

to correct this, the association contributed to the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund’s “Adopt a Coral” programme.

To this extent, TCHTA’s Stacy Cox, and Sustainable Tourism Committee Chair, Mona Beeson, presented a cheque for $2,000 to TCRF Director Alizee Zimmermann.

Accepting the donation, Zimmermann said, “With one ladder already installed, the support of the TCHTA in adopting 30 corals for its 30th anniversary is allowing us to install a second ladder here. A huge success for accessibility to coral restoration! We are so grateful for the support shown by the TCHTA and excited to see these corals grow and be 'planted' back onto the natural reef!"

The Turks and Caicos Reef

Fund’s RESCQ (Restoration of Ecosystem Services and Coral Reef Quality) has been leading the coral restoration effort. In 2014, the foundation began installing inwater coral farms. The farms are home to multiple coral ladders and two large rope nursery structures growing endangered staghorn corals at dive sites at Northwest Point. Staghorn is one of two primary reef-building corals in the Caribbean that White Band Disease has nearly wiped out. The farms allow fragments of these corals to be harvested, maintained, and later transplanted to reef sites for repopulating damaged areas.

The TCRF is expanding its nurseries to the beloved and heavily visited snorkel site of Coral Gardens in Grace Bay, allowing visitors and residents alike to experience the world of growing

The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund’s “Adopt a Coral” programme is opened to all persons and groups.

corals. All this is accessible from the beach and on snorkel.

INTEGRAL ROLE

The TCHTA noted that for many years its Sustainable Tourism Committee has played an integral part in promoting sustainable practices through its members and

via work with industry partners. “There is a rich history of collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), the National Trust, and the Turks and Caicos

TCTC finalises Emergency Preparedness Agreement with Digicel and Flow

The Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission (TCTC) has successfully completed its Emergency Preparedness Agreement (EPA) between the Islands' network operators, Digicel and Flow, with support from Cenerva.

The EPA marks the final stage of the TCTC Telecommunications Emergency Preparedness and Response Policy (TEPRP), aimed at mitigating the risk of disruption to communications networks and services in the event of a disaster or emergency, according to a statement from the Commission.

TCI is located in the Caribbean region, which is frequently affected by hurricanes and has

historically experienced significant damage to the telecommunications infrastructure.

As a result, the Government of TCI and the Commission have spearheaded the creation of an effective policy that would safeguard the resilience of emergency and other priority calls during times of need.

The EPA is a legal document that encompasses an emergencyactivated telecommunications network capacity backup plan.

It covers implementation measures that will be in place in times of national emergencies, including those resulting from severe weather events.

The Agreement provides a

TCHTA adopts 30 corals to commemorate 30th ...

Reef Fund (TCRF).”

Committee Chair Beeson says that sustainability is a tenant of the association’s work, and the donation is a gesture of the TCHTA’s continued commitment to the environment, the care for the islands, and the country’s tourism product. “This donation is quite meaningful for us as an organisation. We have worked very hard over the years to champion efforts centred around, maintaining the beauty of this country, both land, and sea. We take our committee's mandate very seriously, as we know just how careful we must be with the fragile ecosystem we are fortunate to enjoy.

“The Reef Foundation’s work is critical, and we are proud to support this initiative. Today’s efforts will ensure that the TCI we all love is here for future generations to enjoy.”

Cox also shared her excitement, “The work carried out by the Reef Foundation has a significant impact on our islands and our ability to maintain what people marvel at and come to enjoy when they visit our destination. This will certainly not be the last collaboration between the TCHTA and the TCRF as we work collectively to preserve

the beauty and vitality of our country’s natural treasures.”

The association’s sustainable tourism efforts have a long, successful history. Their bi-annual TCI Shines event is in its 13th year and sees TCHTA member resorts and businesses dispatching teams to conduct clean-up exercises. The effort is magnified with the engagement of community groups who are provided with garbage bags, gloves, and water by the TCHTA to participate in the exercise. In addition, school competitions, reef-safe sunscreen research, deployment of garbage receptacles throughout the island, and the “no plastic straws” campaign have been a part of the organisation’s efforts. The Adopt a Coral donation will mark the second 30-year focused item for the Sustainable Tourism committee, the first being planting 30 juvenile Mighty Mahogany plants throughout the islands for Earth Day 2022.

For a small donation of $50, any person or group can participate in the Adopt a Coral programme.

“The TCHTA encourages the wider corporate community to donate where possible and join the fight to preserve and protect our magnificent reefs.”

framework to formalise the role of all network operators, specifically, how they will work with other stakeholders and partners to maintain mobile and internet services for specific groups during a declared period of national

emergency.

The provisions included in this Agreement are primarily to enable the TCI Government, emergency services, appointed third parties and relief agencies to coordinate appropriate disaster response and

humanitarian efforts, disseminate emergency information messages, and manage logistics to help rebuild national infrastructure.

Secondly, as supported by this

Officials representing the respective stakeholders involved in the agreement

UK: Air passengers told to expect ‘serious disruption’

People face “serious disruption” at UK airports over Christmas due to planned strikes by border staff, the home secretary has warned.

Suella Braverman said people should “think carefully” about their plans as “they may well be impacted”.

Staff at six airports will stage walkouts from 23 December to Boxing Day and from 28 December to New Year’s Eve.

The strikes come at one of the busiest times for travel and coincide with walkouts by train and rail workers.

It is the first Christmas since 2019 that airlines have been able to operate without widespread Covid restrictions.

Up to two million passengers are expected to arrive between 23 and 31 December at the airports where the strikes will take place, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

It said that more than 10,000 flights are scheduled to arrive at Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow airports during the period.

Around 1,000 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members - including people who work in passport control - are

taking industrial action after the Home Office offered workers a 2% pay rise instead of the 10% they requested.

On Thursday, Ms Braverman said: “If they go ahead with those strikes there will be undeniable, serious disruption caused to many thousands of people who have holiday plans.

“I really want to urge people who have got plans to travel abroad to think carefully about their plans because they may well be impacted.”

She added: “It’s very regrettable that they have made this decision to potentially strike over critical times in the run-up and following Christmas and the New Year.”

But Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS, said: “The government can stop these strikes tomorrow if it puts money on the table.

“Like so many workers, our members are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. They are desperate.”

The government says it will

TCTC finalises Emergency Preparedness Agreement with ...

policy, a reliable communication network helps ensure that TCI citizens have the necessary resources during an emergency. This includes having access to 911 services and emergency information and liaising with government agencies and their appointed third parties.

The two operators in the Turks and Caicos are Flow and Digicel. Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow TCI, emphasised that the company remains committed to connecting the communities of the TCI, especially during crisis situations.

She said Flow is pleased to support the government’s initiative to create a framework that formalises the role of all telecommunications operators in the event of an emergency to ensure our country and residents remain connected to mobile and internet services.

Addison Stoddard, CEO of Digicel TCI, said: “We are proud to have worked on this Agreement with the TCI Telecommunications Commission.

“As a communications company, connecting our customers to the people they love is our reason for being, and we know that this becomes even more critical during an emergency.

“Through this partnership with Flow and the Commission, facilitates effective and efficient communications during a crisis, we know that we are all doing our part to be better together for the people of TCI.

“Regulatory Specialist, Cenerva provided consultancy services to support the Commission throughout the development of the TEPRP, assisting with technical and policy advice, research,

document drafting, stakeholder management and consultation, as well as project management.”

James Wild, a Managing Partner at Cenerva, applauded the successful conclusion of the EPA between Digicel and Flow.

He said: “This is a significant milestone for the TCI Commission and reflects the commitment to ensuring that network resilience is maintained in times of crisis”.

Minister of Telecommunications, Hon Otis Morris said: “We thank Flow and Digicel for their cooperation and efforts in concluding this milestone agreement.

“Our emergency preparedness and response policy will help protect Islanders and bring safeguards for the future.

“We are all committed to working together to ensure our communities are safe and secure.”

draft in military personnel to help minimise disruption if the walkouts go ahead.

But travel expert Simon Calder said: “That doesn’t make up for the decades of expertise and experience that Border Force staff have so you’re going to see queues building up.

“Once that happens you could get passengers kept on planes to avoid too many queues in the arrivals hall. When that happens the planes aren’t going out again full of other passengers, delays build up and that’s when you get diversions and cancellations starting up.”

It is expected that if there is disruption, it will mainly affect passengers flying into the UK.

A report in The Times said that airlines had been advised to cancel up to 30% of flights over the eight days of strikes to prevent disruption at airports.

A spokesman for Airlines UK, which represents the industry, said: “We urge all parties to work on reaching an agreement to avoid the need for industrial action at what is such an important time of year for many travellers.”

One source within the aviation industry told the BBC that a letter from the Border Force to airports last week said that based on initial modelling, it would be possible to operate about 80% of 2019 flight levels during strike action.

However, it is understood that some airlines had already expected to run about that level of capacity because they were not back to preCovid levels yet.

EasyJet said it was “to early” to say what impact the strikes would have on its flight schedules.

A spokeswoman said: “As you would expect, we are in talks with the individual airports on their contingency plans.

Jaylen Smith: Arkansas elects youngest black mayor in US

AN 18-year-old college student in the state of Arkansas has reportedly become the youngest black mayor to be elected in the US.

Jaylen Smith just left high school in May. On Tuesday, he was voted in to lead the rural town of Earle, 30 miles (48km) west of Memphis, Tennessee.

He’s not the first 18-year-old mayor in US history, but that hasn’t stopped his family celebrating the major win.

“My mom can’t stop crying,” Mr Smith told the Washington Post on Wednesday.

A Democrat, he won in the town of 1,800 residents as most US political watchers were tuned in to a Senate contest over in Georgia.

“It’s Time to Build a Better

Chapter of Earle, Arkansas,” Mr Smith wrote on Facebook to celebrate his victory over the city’s street and sanitation superintendent.

“I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all.”

The vote result was 235 to 185, according to a tally from the Crittenden County Clerk’s office.

The new mayor ran on a platform of improving the police force, repairing the city’s drainage system, addressing abandoned houses and improving community involvement.

As mayor, he also plans to bring a major grocery store to the community - the only one in town closed years ago.

Staff at six airports will stage walkouts from 23 December to Boxing Day and from 28 December to New Year’s Eve

The new mayor ran on a platform of improving the police force, repairing the city’s drainage system, addressing abandoned houses and improving community involvement

Putin: Nuclear risk is rising, but we are not mad

VLADIMIR Putin has said the threat of a nuclear war was rising, but insisted Russia had not “gone mad” and would not use its nuclear weapons first.

The Russian president insisted that his country would only use weapons of mass destruction in response to an attack.

Speaking at Russia’s annual human rights council meeting, he also said the war in Ukraine could be a “lengthy process”.

Western officials believe Putin initially planned for a rapid victory.

Russia’s capacity to use nuclear weapons has come under increased scrutiny since it invaded Ukraine in February.

“Such a threat is growing, it would be wrong to hide it,” Putin warned while talking about the prospect of nuclear war via video link from Moscow.

But he asserted that Russia would “under no circumstances” use the weapons first, and would not threaten anyone with its nuclear arsenal.

“We have not gone mad, we are aware of what nuclear weapons are,” he said, adding: “We aren’t about to run around the world brandishing this weapon like a razor.”

Putin also boasted that Russia had the most modern and advanced nuclear weapons in the world, and contrasted its nuclear strategy to the US - who he said had gone further than Russia by locating its nuclear weapons on other territories.

“We do not have nuclear weapons, including tactical ones, on the territory of other countries, but the Americans do - in Turkey, and in a number of other European countries,” he said.

Putin has previously insisted that Russia’s nuclear doctrine only allowed for the defensive use of nuclear arms.

Appearing to recognise that his plan to claim victory within days of invading Ukraine had failed, Putin admitted the war could be a “lengthy process”.

However, he said the results had already been “significant”for example, the new territories Russia has illegally claimed after sham-referendums in four regions of Ukraine.

He boasted that the annexations had made the Sea of Azov - which is bordered by south-east Ukraine and south-west Russia - an “internal sea” of Russia, adding that this was an aspiration of Russian Tsar Peter the Great. President Putin has

Putin

compared himself to the 17th and 18th Century ruler before.

But - despite claiming the regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk and Donetsk as Russia’s new territory - Moscow does not fully control any of those areas.

Last month, Russian forces were forced to retreat from Kherson city, the only regional capital they had seized since the February invasion.

The setbacks on the frontline have led to Russia targeting Ukraine’s power grid by launching massive air strikes across the country,

The airstrikes have caused widespread damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving millions without heating and electricity for hours, or even days, as temperatures dropped below zero.

The Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali

Klitschko, warned that Ukraine’s capital - which has been badly affected by power cuts - could face “apocalypse”.

“Kyiv might lose power, water, and heat supply. The apocalypse might happen, like in Hollywood films, when it’s not possible to live in homes considering the low temperature,” Mr Klitschko told Reuters in an interview.

Though heated shelters have been set up in the city, Mr Klitschko admitted there were not enough for all residents, and people should be ready to evacuate if the situation worsens.

Back in Russia, any potential criticism of Putin’s invasion was stymied before the human rights council.

In the run-up to Wednesday’s

meeting, 10 members of the council who had expressed doubts about the war were removed. Prowar replacements were brought in instead.

Subjects to be discussed during the meeting were also heavily vetted beforehand, according to the independent Russian news outlet Verstka.

In recent weeks, Russia’s nuclear doctrine has come under close scrutiny on when nuclear arms could be used, in particular a “tactical” weapon that might be unleashed on the battlefield in Ukraine.

A tactical nuclear weapon is for use in combat, as opposed to the larger “strategic” weapons which are designed to cause massive destruction. (BBC)

UK: Record alcohol deaths from pandemic drinking

A RECORD number of people died from alcohol last year, which is likely to be the result of increased drinking during the pandemic, according to the Office for National Statistics.

There were 9,641 deaths in the UK in 2021, compared to 7,565 in 2019 - a 27% increase.

The ONS says people who were already big drinkers before the pandemic drank more during the Covid years.

Charity Drinkaware said the numbers were “devastating” and “unacceptable”.

The 2021 figures are alcoholspecific deaths, which are defined as a direct consequence of alcohol. Most are from alcoholic liver disease.

They account for around a third of all deaths linked to alcohol.

In 2021, UK rates of alcohol-

specific deaths per 100,000 people were highest in Scotland and lowest in England: 22.4 in Scotland, 19.3 in Northern Ireland, 15 in Wales and 13.9 in England.

“Research has suggested that people who were already drinking at higher levels before the pandemic were the most likely to have increased their alcohol consumption during this period,” says James Tucker, from the Office

for National Statistics.

As with previous years, men were twice as likely as women to die from alcohol.

In the seven years running up to 2019, rates of alcohol-specific deaths in the UK had remained pretty stable, before going up in 2020 and 2021.

“These statistics are absolutely devastating, each number masking an individual family tragedy,” says

Karen Tyrell, from Drinkaware.

“It is unacceptable that in one of the richest countries in the world, the rate of alcohol-related deaths was four times higher among men in the poorest areas compared to the most affluent.”

She said warning signs of the heaviest drinkers drinking more during the pandemic were missed, because people were less able to access support.

Drinkaware is now calling for a new co-ordinated UK-wide alcohol strategy to reduce the damage from alcohol to society and public services.

An increase in alcohol duty (or tax) in the price paid for alcohol is seen as one way of reducing harm to drinkers, by discouraging the production and sale of cheap, highstrength alcohol.

Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, said: “Despite opposition from commercial interests, we can’t afford to delay or dilute policies that help save lives.”

The UK government says it is committed to simplifying the current system for alcohol duty, calling it complicated and outdated. This is likely to happen in 2023. (BBC)

also boasted that Russia had the most modern and advanced nuclear weapons in the world

Regional News

Bahamas: Minister demands food retailers ‘respect’ law

A Cabinet minister demanded that food retailers “respect” the law and adopt the Government’s expanded price control regime or face an enforcement crackdown that will see fines and penalties levied.

Senator Michael Halkitis, Minister for Economic Affairs, said ahead of the weekly full Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that price control inspectors have already been dispatched throughout The Bahamas to ensure the food distribution industry is complying with the price control changes implemented via regulation on October 17.

Asserting that ongoing negotiations between the sector and the Government cannot be used as an excuse to delay implementation, he argued that the Davis administration had already agreed “reasonable” concessions with higher margins for perishable products and retailers in the Family Islands.

Mr Halkitis said: “While there’s some negotiations going on with the Government, let me just say categorically there are no negotiations that will hold up the amendments. The amendments to the regulations are in place. We put them in place on October 17, we had some discussions with the retail grocers and retail pharmacies.

“We had discussions with retail

grocers where they expressed some concerns. We went back and we made some adjustments. We increased some margins to account for perishables and to account for Family Island transportation. We thought that was a reasonable concession to some of the concerns that they raised, and so for all intents and purposes the amendments are in place and we expect them to be respected. We expect them to be respected.”

The Government has indeed agreed to some of what the food distribution industry has been

requesting, namely higher markups for Family Island retailers and perishable products that have a shorter shelf-life and go bad much quicker.

While the Retail Grocers Association had supported 25 per cent on all dry grocery items, it requested that this be increased to 30 per cent for Family Island businesses due to the extra shipping, logistics and overall business costs they endure compared to New Providence.

And, due to “the rising costs of electricity and shrinkage

Bermudian government accused of deliberately picking fights with UK

THE One Bermuda Alliance has accused the Bermudian Government of deliberately picking fights with the UK in order to push through an independence agenda.

Scott Pearman, the OBA’s spokesman on Legal and Home Affairs, spoke out after a Government senator blamed Whitehall for dictating Government policy on environmental issues.

In a column in The Royal Gazette last week, Lindsay Simmons, a Government senator and Junior Minister of Social Development and Seniors, claimed that Bermuda’s “colonial status” had forced the Government to sign up to international treaties ratified by the UK.

Responding to outcry by island fishermen that 20 per cent of island waters are to be designated protected zones free from fishing, Ms Simmons said that the Government had no choice to bring in the policy – because it was under

orders to do so by London.

That claim appeared to contradict the views of other ministers, who have long touted and taken credit for Bermuda’s green credentials.

Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Home Affairs, has attended a slew of conferences on environmental issues in the last year, claiming that Bermuda can lead the way in conservation policy.

Mr Roban has also stated that he is “passionate“ about environmental issues.

But Mr Pearman accused the Government of “wanting to have it both ways” – applauding itself for environmental initiatives when addressing the green lobby, but denying responsibility for those initiatives when challenged by anti-protectionists.

Mr Pearman said: “On the one hand, Deputy Premier Walter Roban shows up at the Youth

Climate Summit to tout his environmental credentials.

“Yet when Bermudian fishermen challenge the PLP’s marine plan, PLP senator Lindsay Simmons blames the policy on the ‘whims of the British Government’.

“Bermudians will not be fooled. The PLP wants to pick needless fights with the UK to cobble together a better argument for independence. This PLP ploy is all too obvious.”

Mr Pearman said that the current spat was just one of a series of planned confrontations by the Government to undermine the island’s relationship with the UK.

He pointed out that Whitehall had provided the island with vaccines when the coronavirus reached the island’s shores in 2020 – only for David Burt to describe the life-saving drugs as “trinkets”.

“The UK thankfully did not respond to his rudeness,” Mr Pearman said.

(spoilage), the food retailers had called for a 35 per cent mark-up in Nassau, and 40 per cent in the Family Islands, for perishable goods as opposed to the Government’s originally proposed 25 percent limit. The Government agreed to a five percentage point increase in the mark-up for pricecontrolled perishables, such as meats and vegetables, along with “a slight increase for the Family Islands to cover transportation”.

Mr Halkitis, meanwhile, added: “There was a concern raised about the issue of changing all of the prices, and what we said to them was: ‘If it’s a difficulty changing them individually, we will allow you to have the price on the shelf until such time as all the prices can be changed individually’.

“So for all intents and purposes, the amendments are in place, and we expect them to be respected. I have given instructions yesterday (Monday) for our inspectors to go out, once again, to inspect and when necessary to commence investigations in order that we are looking to enforce the law where the law is not being respected.”

Food stores found in breach of price control regulations can face a fine of no more than $2,500 for not co-operating with an investigation and/or imprisonment of up to six months, and where companies

are convicted of violations or penalties under the law they face a $5,000 fine and up to 12 months imprisonment. This liability extends to directors.

The Government’s initial proposal capped food wholesale margins, or mark-ups, at 15 per cent for all 38 product categories listed, while those for retailers were set at 25 per cent acrossthe-board. The move, which was designed to ease the cost of living crisis currently battering thousands of middle and lower income Bahamians, employed the blunt tool of price controls - albeit on a “temporary” six-month basis - to achieve this.

The goods impacted, some of which are already price controlled, were baby cereal, food and formula; broths, canned fish; condensed milk; powdered detergent; mustard; soap; soup; fresh milk; sugar; canned spaghetti; canned pigeon peas (cooked); peanut butter; ketchup; cream of wheat; oatmeal and corn flakes.

The remainder were macaroni and cheese mix; pampers; feminine napkins; eggs; bread; chicken; turkey; pork; sandwich meat; oranges; apples; bananas; limes; tomatoes; iceberg lettuce; broccoli; carrots; potatoes; yellow onions; and green bell peppers. (Tribune242)

“The

“If things get worse, we may well need them. The PLP’s British bashing needs to stop.” (RoyalGazette)

Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis

Scott Pearman is the OBA’s spokesman on Legal and Home Affairs

“Then the Premier presses on with his doomed cannabis bill, when his own Attorney General warned Parliament from the outset that the UK was forced by international convention to reject it.

“Now the PLP wants our fishermen to believe the marine plan is the fault of the UK?

Deputy Premier should explain to senator Simmons whose decision this actually is. Given the difficulties our island faces, we need to nurture our international relationships.

Regional News

Skerrit’s DLP wins a 6th consecutive term in Dominica

THE Dominica Labour Party, led by Roosevelt Skerrit, returned to power following Tuesday, December 6 elections on the Caribbean island.

The DLP returned to power after winning 19 out of 21 parliamentary seats, with two seats, Salisbury and Marigot going to independent candidates, Jesma Paul and Anthony Charles respectively. The main opposition party UWP did not participate in the election.

On Tuesday, reports from across the nation indicated that voter turnout was low in comparison to previous elections.

Over 80,000 people were eligible

to vote. Polls took place in 15 of the country’s 21 constituencies.

The United Workers Party, the largest opposition party, boycotted the general election. In six constituencies, the decision had already been made on nomination day, giving the incumbent Dominica Labour Party (DLP) an advantage of six seats.

Information indicates that the electorate may have been paralysed due to controversies surrounding the island’s decision to hold early elections.

There were sixteen independent candidates and six Team Unity Dominica candidates.

Mitchell highlights need to tackle issues facing Haiti

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell is of the view that Haiti continues to suffer social and economic depression because it “struck the first blow for freedom back in 1804” for oppressed black nations.

He urged regional counterparts to help them resolve their problems.

In Barbados this week, at the Cuba CARICOM Summit, Mr Mitchell further expressed The Bahamas’ concern about certain CARICOM member states being included on lists of noncooperative jurisdictions when it comes to tax governance and a separate issue of the progressive decline in correspondent banking relations in developing nations.

As for the situation in Haiti, Mr Mitchell told officials gathered that through CARICOM and the United Nations, efforts must be made to bring peace and security to Haiti.

“There’s an expression that I like to use which says that when your voice is all you have you use your voice even if your voice shakes and we have a responsibility across the world to work for the dispossessed, the oppressed, to bring about change and equity for all of our people,” the minister said.

tackle in CARICOM and within the United Nations context to bring peace and security to Haiti.”

He also said later in his remarks: “Before I stop, the people of Haiti, the issue of reparations on slavery and I mention them together because Haiti suffers we believe because of the price they paid for the freedom for the rest of us in this country when they struck the first blow for freedom back in 1804 and we must help them resolve the problems.”

Mr Mitchell also condemned the US embargo on Cuba and pointed to security issues it poses to The Bahamas, pointing to an approaching official visit Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis will make to Havana.

“The policy is wrong, and it is causing harm. It should not be supported; it should be reversed.

the dependent territories in the CARICOM region in particular British Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda, not to forget that the idea is for all countries to have selfdetermination in independence and The Bahamas takes a particular interest in these three territories.

“We were grateful for the support that CARICOM gave to seeking to maintain the ability of the people in those countries to determine to the extent that they could under colonial rule conduct their own affairs. So, I’d like to communicate that it’s important for us to keep an eye on what is going on in those territories.”

BARBADOS Prime Minister Mia Mottley has been named by the Financial Times as one of the 25 most influential women of 2022.

The newspaper describes Mottley as one of the most formidable leaders of her generation.

A lawyer who trained at the London School of Economics, Mottley won her first political seat

at the age of 28.

At COP26, she made clear that the failure of industrialised states to meaningfully invest to halt climate change was catastrophic for the planet.

Her speech was as inspiring as it was humbling, and citizens globally were gripped, said the times.

“I have had the advantage of listening to those who spoke before me on these global issues and I thank the minister for Cuba for an almost exhaustive list. Climate change, international drug trafficking, irregular migration, trafficking in persons, energy and security, food and security, climate change, public health issues, reparations on slavery, and I would add for us very importantly the issues that now face us in Haiti. All of these are issues that we have to

“In our discussions with our American friends we have made the point to them that there is a particular problem whenever these measures that they seek to implement on a bilateral basis against Cuba causes a security problem for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas because it forces people to flee their own country and they end up very often as refugees in The Bahamas and this causes political problems in south Florida which has often led to the physical attack of our consular services in the city of Miami. So, we’ve asked them and we continue to ask them to change the policies.

“The prime minister expects to make an official visit in a couple of weeks to Havana and will no doubt reinforce some of the words that I have spoken here today.”

He continued: “I do want to, however, add a word for

As for bones of contention, Mr Mitchell said: “(We) express deep concern over the inclusion of certain Caricom member states on lists of non-cooperative jurisdictions in respect to tax governance and AML/CFT deficiencies and call for a change to this approach, which negatively impacts the economies of those countries that have shown the readiness to cooperate and engage in dialogue to find mutually advantageous solutions for the parties.

“And paragraph 20 we express deep concern over the progressive decline in correspondent banking relations being experienced by developing nations, in particular CARICOM member states, due to the de-risking actions by some of the major international banking institutions and the worsening impact this is having on the financial stability and trading ability of the affected countries, which constrains their efforts to achieve socio-economic growth and sustainable development.

Roosevelt Skerrit

Mia Mottley named among 25 most influential women of 2022

Fred Mitchell said that through CARICOM and the United Nations, efforts must be made to bring peace and security to Haiti.

IMMEDIATE OPENING

ASSISTANT FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Assist in developing and implementing strategies for Front Office, Bell Services, Transportation, Concierges, etc. that support achievement of the resort’s goals.

• Schedule transportation and staff to ensure a consistent, seamless luxury guest arrival and departure experience.

• Ensure regular and VIP Guests are recognised and that the Front Office department operates with a sales attitude and promotes the hotel brand's loyalty scheme

• Participate in the development and implementation of processes and procedures which support guests experience.

• Maximize use of guest history information to ensure a high level of guest recognition and personalized service.

• Ensure that front desk staff handle billing and cash in accordance with resort standards.

• Plan and coordinate group arrivals and departures by working closely with Sales, Catering, Housekeeping and other departments.

• Develop and implement communication processes for shift changes in order to ensure seamless guest service.

• Monitor the appearance, standards, and performance of the Front Office Team Members with an emphasis on training and teamwork

• Ensure Team Members have current knowledge of hotel products, services, pricing and policies, as well as knowledge of the local area, and are continuously trained to learn and understand policies and practices

• Maintain good communication and working relationships with all hotel departments

• Monitor staffing levels to meet business demands

• Conduct monthly communication meetings and produce minutes

• Manage staff performance issues in compliance with company policies and procedures

• Recruit, manage, train and develop the Front Office team

• Take personal responsibility and show initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Keep informed and demonstrate job knowledge, following all job and service standards.

• Provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• A degree or diploma in Hotel Management or equivalent.

• A minimum of 3 years of Front Office supervisory / management experience in a 4 or 5 star hotel.

• High level of IT proficiency.

• High level of commercial awareness and sales capabilities.

• Experience in managing people and developing people.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

• Committed to delivering a high level of customer service.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Skilled in the use of techniques and strategies required to deliver training material in group and one-on-one settings.

• Understand the reservations process including the role of the WRS, distribution channels and reservations flow.

ASSISTANT RESTAURANT MANAGER

Assistant Restaurants Manager is responsible for ensuring successful operation of the outlet(s) and functions assigned, ensuring memorable, luxury dining experiences for all guests and maximization of revenue and profitability.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Ensure all opening and closing checklists for outlet/function are completed correctly and on time.

• Maintain positive personal presence with body language and demeanor, complying with all hotel and department grooming and dress code standards.

• Monitor employee performance and provide feedback and coaching.

• Ensure all charge and cash handling policies and procedures are followed at all times and that cash floats are properly maintained and secured during and after shift.

• Ensure staff is well trained, knowledgeable and conversant with all menus.

• “Touch” each table during shift and use knowledge of guest and name to ensure a high level of guest recognition and personalized service.

• Assist in conducting physical inventories of all linens, china, beverages and other supplies.

• Ensure accurate recordkeeping as required and track daily sales.

• Manage assigned outlet or function during shift to ensure operation is in accordance with standards ensuring all employee performance meets standard with all duties completed properly and on timely basis.

• Establish and maintain departmental communication, maintaining Daily Log Book for shift; keep manager fully informed on a timely basis of any problems or need for action.

• Maintain controls of inventory and keys.

• Attend all daily briefings, meetings and training as required.

• In addition, other duties as may be requested or required by department or another manager.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a hotel restaurant preferably in a luxury hotel.

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.

• Able to stand for long periods of time.

• Able to carry up to 20kgs.

• Must have excellent mathematic skills.

• Able to handle a fast-paced environment and be able to work under pressure.

• Must be organized and detailed oriented.

• Guest Satisfaction (comment cards, website postings, in-person feedback)

• Completion of work assignments (safely, timely, completely, correctly)

• Achievement of sales and/or cost control goals

• Able to handle a fast-paced environment and be able to work under pressure.

• Must be organized and detailed oriented.

• Guest Satisfaction (comment cards, website postings, in-person feedback)

• Completion of work assignments (safely, timely, completely, correctly)

• Achievement of sales and/or cost control goals

IMMEDIATE OPENING

ROOM ATTENDANT*

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Make the bed, clean and straighten entire room/suite, including vacuuming, mopping and dusting.

• Display and replace bath amenities and resort information and items.

• Order repairs as appropriate.

• Return articles left in rooms to Lost and Found.

• Ensure the total appearance of the guest room/suite reflects The Shore Club standards of luxury service.

• Keep supply caddy stocked.

• Keep guest corridors clear of service items.

• Inspect linens for quality and removes soiled, torn or worn item.

• Notify Housekeeping Department of stock shortage and/or malfunctioning equipment.

• Take personal responsibility and show initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Keep informed and demonstrate job knowledge, following all job and service standards

• Provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

• Any other ad hoc duties or tasks as assigned or directed by management.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Proper licensure and/or training certification in all modalities.

• Able to speak, communicate and understand English.

• High school or equivalent education.

• Must have worked in hotels or other institution in a similar capacity.

• Must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per standards.

• Perform other duties as requested, such as cleaning unexpected spills and executing special guest requests.

• Ability to work with heavy cleaning machinery.

• Must be able and willing to work all days and shift.

•

The Shore Club, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume Attention to Avi Adams, Human Resources Manager at careers@theshoreclubtc.com , no later than end of day Friday, December 30th , 2022.

All resumes are subject to screening. Accepted candidates will receive a call or email confirmation with a scheduled time for meeting and required documents for the actual interview. RESUMES

•

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER TILE LAYER

Sweeping, mopping, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room and other housework. $7.00-$8.00 hourly Install materials on floors, walls, ceilings, countertops. Level the surface with a layer of mortar or plywood. $10.00-$12.00 hourly

Looking for a promising career in a fast-paced, customer-driven industry? Avis and Payless Car Rentals are currently seeking to employ Rental Sales Agents for immediate

•

JOB SUMMARY:

Must be deft in moving around the kitchen and apt in multitasking. Experience in using various ingredients and cooking techniques is also important. Must be able to create new menus, work independently, available to work seven (7) days a week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare ingredients to use in cooking.

• Ensure great presentation by dressing dishes before they are served.

• Keep a sanitized and orderly environment in the kitchen.

• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly.

• Check quality of ingredients.

• Grocery shopping for kitchen menu items.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a restaurant or hotel.

• Hard working with a willingness to work long hours including weekends and holidays.

• Fluent in French and Spanish are essential.

• Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods.

• Very good communication skills.

• Excellent physical condition and stamina.

Salary: 60,000.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the general maintenance of the grounds, and gardens, of three (3) private villas and to carry out numerous gardening duties requiring a minimum amount of supervision. QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have knowledge of gardening tools

• Must have an understanding of safety precautions when using these tools

• Must be flexible and able to work on weekends and holidays

• Beginning salary commensurate with experience.

Salary: 21,600.00 per annum Please note

KNOWN ADDRESSES: TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

BELLE is searching for the whereabouts of DOROTHY ANN SANCHEZ, or her descendants, HEIRS OF JOHN HENRY FORBES, CHARLES EBENEZER FULLER FORBES as administrator of the estate of NATHANIEL EBENEZER FORBES, or his descendants, HEIRS OF ROBERT ALEXANDER FORBES, HEIRS OF FRANK STEPHENSON FORBES and NOEL FORBES, WILLIAM DARIUS FORBES AND AUBREY EMMANUEL FORBES or their descendants. The said persons are the registered proprietors or personal representatives of the registered proprietors of land at 40202/4, Central, Middle Caicos. On behalf of its client, BELLE intends to make application to the land registry for the partition of land at 40202/4.

If you are or know the whereabouts of DOROTHY ANN SANCHEZ, the HEIRS OF JOHN HENRY FORBES, CHARLES EBENEZER FULLER FORBES as administrator of the estate of NATHANIEL EBENEZER FORBES, the HEIRS OF ROBERT ALEXANDER FORBES, the HEIRS OF FRANK STEPHENSON FORBES, NOEL FORBES, WILLIAM DARIUS FORBES and AUBREY EMMANUEL FORBES or are direct descendants please contact BerthaLee Belle, attorney at telephone number 1(649)241-6246 or belle@tciway.tc

The public is also given notice of the following

1. Unless one or more of the following transactions are effected on a dormant account listed above on or before March 15 2023 the monies in the dormant accounts will be transferred to the general revenue of the Islands without further notice: (a) increase or decrease the amount held or owed in the Financial Institution; (b) present the passbook or other record for the crediting of interest or dividends in respect to any general deposit, demand deposit, savings deposit or deposit for a fixed period, made in the Islands; (c) correspond in writing with the Financial Institution concerning the monies; or (d) otherwise indicate an interest in the monies as evidenced in writing by the Financial Institution.

2. Subject to the Dormant Accounts Ordinance, on the transfer of the monies in the dormant account to the general revenue of the Islands, the dormant account holder will no longer have any right against the Financial Institution to the repayment of the monies transferred, but the dormant account holder will have against the Government such right to repayment of the monies transferred that the dormant account holder would have had against the Financial Institution.

3. Any interested person should contact the Financial Institution mentioned above to establish if that person is a dormant account holder.

LINNEU DECZKA Authorised Officer

GREGORY ETIENNE

COMMERCIAL CLEANER

an experienced Commercial Cleaner, to care for marble and other high-gloss floor surfaces. Candidates should have a basic certification in floor care, and at least five years experience working in large institutions; must be able to communicate in English, and must be able to function on his/her own initiative.

Work Week: 6 days. Starting wage: $12.50/hour. This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Qualified persons should submit applications by email to Mr. Mullings at tropicdiamond@hotmail.com

Turks and Caicos Islanders who are Qualified and interested, are invited to send copies of their applications to the Department of Employment Services.

PAINTER

An experienced Painter for residential and commercial painting jobs. Applicants must have proven record of successful projects in the Turks and Caicos Islands; must be knowledgeable about paint quality, colours, and applications, and must be able to communicate in English.

Work Week: 6 days. Starting Basic Wage of $10.50/hour. This position is currently held by work permit holder. Qualified persons should send applications by email to Mr. Mullings at tropicdiamond@hotmail.com.

Turks and Caicos Islanders who are Qualified and interested, are invited to send copies of their applications to the Department of Employment Services.

CONSTRUCTION HELPER

A Construction Helper to assist the skilled tradesmen in their various duties, and to care for the employer’s small hand tools. Candidates should have at least a basic working knowledge of construction, and a willingness to learn the various trades. They must also be prepared to work long hours in the sun.

Work Week: 6 days, 7-5. Starting wage: $7.50/hour. This position was last held by a work permit holder. Qualified persons should submit applications by email to Mr. Mullings at tropicdiamond@hotmail.com

Turks and Caicos Islanders who are Qualified and interested, are invited to send copies of their applications to the Department of Employment Services. 339912

VACANCIES

LABOURER

Cleaning up around the sites, removing all trash and debris, assisting skill workers and any other duties as may be necessary.

Turks and Caicos Islanders/ Belongers are advised to apply within the Labour Department Salary $7.00 per hour weekly

NORTH POLE AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES

Providenciales

Phone (649) 232-2304

DOMESTIC

WORKER

Cleaning around the house, laundry, assisting with daily household day to day cleaning, taking out trash and keeping around the outside area clean.

Turks and Caicos Islanders/

Belongers are advised to apply within the Labour Department Salary $7.00 per hour weekly.

STACIA ARTHUR

Bambara

Middle Caicos

Turks and Caicos Islands (649) 241-2010

STORE CLERK

• Must be able to receive, price and stock goods, must be able to keep accurate inventory.

• Must have a pleasant customer service personality to be able to greet customers at all times

Turks and Caicos Islanders/ Belongers are advised to apply within the Labour Department Salary $7.00 per hour weekly.

FRANK'S HARDWARE

Kew

North Caicos

Turks and Caicos Islands (649) 247-6266

QUALITY FOOD SERVICES

Is looking for:

PRICING CLERK

• Maintain pricing integrity on the sales floor by ensuring that all Items are properly received, priced, tagged, and scanned correctly.

• Ability to stand, bend, twist, reach, push, pull and regularly lift 25 lbs., And occasionally lift 50 lbs.

• Ability to work in minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 23 degree Celsius

• Ability to operate Cash Register, BACK OFFICE POS System, Thyme Software, MS Office, Credit Card Terminal, calculator, pricing gun.

• Communicate and collaborate with other team members.

• Availability on work nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to multitask, prioritizes, and manages time efficiently.

• Wages start at $9.00 per hour.

• For first time work permit holder.

BUTCHERS

• Cutting, grinding and preparing meats for sale.

• Cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment.

• Weighing, packaging, pricing, and displaying products.

• Performing quality inspections on meats and other products.

• Wages start at $7.50 per hour.

• Held by the work permit holders and for first time work permit.

FROZEN FOOD PICKERS / STOCKERS

• Physically able to reach,stretch,bend,and walk during work hours

• Ability to stand for long periods of time in the Freezer Environment (Minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 23 degree Celsius)

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

• Availability on work nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to multitask, prioritizes, and manages time efficiently.

• Wages star at $6.25 per hour.

• Held by the work permit holders and for first time work permit.

PRODUCE CLERKS

• Replenish produce stocks and goods on the on display shelf

• Physically able to reach ,stretch, bend, and walk during work hours

• Ability to stand for long periods of time in the Freezer Environment (Minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 23 degree Celsius)

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

• Availability on work nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to multitask, prioritizes, and manages time efficiently.

• Wages star at $6.25 per hour.

• Held by the work permit holders and for first time work permit.

LABOURERS

• Able to lift and carry merchandise weighing 35-50 lbs. frequently throughout a shift. Responsible for loading and offloading container.

• Maintain positive and respectful attitude while working independently and in a Team environment

• Able to accurately read labels, tickets, and other product documentation

• Wages start at $6.25 per hour.

• For first time work permit holder

3B Courtyard Plaza, Providenciales. Seeks:

Harry and Meghan on Netflix: Royals ‘didn’t understand need to protect Meghan’

Some royals questioned why Meghan should be protected from press harassment, Prince Harry has claimed in the couple’s new Netflix documentary.

Harry said some members of the family felt negative treatment in the media was “a rite of passage” - but he said: “The difference is the race element.”

The first three episodes of the six-part bombshell series titled “Harry & Meghan” were released on Thursday.

The couple talk about life in the Royal Family, press intrusion and racism.

Buckingham Palace has not yet responded to the claims.

At the start of episode one, a message says members of the Royal Family declined to comment on the series. But both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace say that they, or any other members

of the Royal Family, were not approached for comment.

The episodes released on Thursday - which include sit-down interviews with the couple and their friends, as well as a video diary - cover a range of topics, including the couple’s difficult relationship with the tabloid press, and the Royal Family’s response to racist news articles written about Meghan.

“The direction from the Palace was don’t say anything,” says Harry. “But what people need to understand is, as far as a lot of the family were concerned, everything that she was being put through, they had been put through as well.

“So it was almost like a rite of passage, and some of the members of the family were like ‘my wife had to go through that, so why should your girlfriend be treated any differently? Why should you

get special treatment? Why should she be protected?”’

“I said ‘the difference here is the race element’.”

He says there is a “huge level of unconscious bias” in the Royal Family, adding: “It is actually no one’s fault. But once it has been pointed out, or identified within yourself you then need to make it right.”

The Duke of Sussex - who is fifth in line to the throne - says he is really proud that his children are mixed-race, and it makes him want to “make the world a better place

for them”.

“But, equally, what’s most important for the two of us is to make sure that we don’t repeat the same mistakes that perhaps our parents made.”

The couple also spoke about meeting other royals, with Meghan saying she found it surprising that the formality “carries over” even when not in public.

“When Will and Kate came over, and I met her for the first time, they came over for dinner, I remember I was in ripped jeans and I was barefoot. I was a hugger. I’ve always been a hugger, I didn’t realise that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.

“I guess I started to understand very quickly that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside.”

In much of episode one, the duke and duchess spoke about their relationship - including how they met via a friend on Instagram and met for drinks in London’s Soho for their first date.

Harry describes it as a “great love story”, adding: “I think for so many people in the family, especially obviously the men, there can be a temptation or an urge to marry someone who would fit in the mould, as opposed to somebody who you are perhaps destined to be with.

“The difference between making decisions with your head, or your heart. And my mum certainly made most of her decisions - if not all of them - from her heart. And I am my mother’s son.”

He adds: “She (Meghan) sacrificed everything she ever knew, the freedom that she had, to join me in my world. And then pretty soon after that I ended up sacrificing everything that I know to join her in her world.”

Prince Harry tells the docuseries: “My job is to keep my family safe. But the nature of being born into this position... and the level of hate that is being stirred up in the last three years especially against my wife and my son, I’m generally concerned for the safety of my

family.”

The duke adds that, as a royal, it is his “duty to uncover this exploitation and bribery that happens within our media”.

IN OTHER MOMENTS FROM THE SERIES:

Harry calls the press pack of royal correspondents “essentially an extended PR arm of the Royal Family. An agreement that has been there for over 30 years”. He says he believes the media see his trauma as its “narrative to control”

In episode three, Meghan calls the time around their engagement an “orchestrated reality show”, and that her interview was “rehearsed”

Harry says his family were “incredibly impressed” with Meghan when they first met her. “But the fact that I was dating an American actress was probably what clouded their judgment more than anything else at the beginning”

The duke compares Meghan to Princess Diana, saying: “So much of what Meghan is, and how she is, is so similar to my mum. She has the same compassion, she has the same empathy, she has the same confidence, she has this warmth about her”

And although Princess Diana’s Panorama interview was secured under deceit, Harry says his mother “spoke the truth of her experience”

The duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland, says she warned Meghan that the harassment was “about race”. “I said, you may not want to hear it but this is what’s coming down the pike,” says Ms Ragland. “As a parent, in hindsight absolutely I would like to go back and have that kind of real conversation about how the world sees you”

Harry says wearing a Nazi uniform to a party was “one of the biggest mistakes” of his life

The eagerly-anticipated docuseries - which will culminate in its final three episodes at 08:00 GMT on 15 December - faced controversy earlier this week when two trailers allegedly appeared to use footage and photos in misleading ways.

The first three episodes of the six-part bombshell series titled “Harry & Meghan” were released on Thursday

Kirstie Alley had colon cancer, her rep says

KIRSTIE Alley was diagnosed with colon cancer before her death, a representative for the actress said Tuesday.

The rep made the confirmation to People after Alley’s family didn’t specify what type of cancer she had. Family members said in a death announcement Monday night that the illness was “only recently discovered.”

“She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” Alley’s family said in a statement.

Reps for Alley didn’t immediately respond to

a Daily News request for comment.

Alley, who was 71, won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of bar manager Rebecca Howe on “Cheers,” and received an Emmy as well for the TV drama movie “David’s Mother.”

Several of Alley’s “Cheers” co-stars paid tribute, including Ted Danson, who said he happened to watch an episode of the sitcom during a flight Monday before learning of her death.

“Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny,” Danson, who starred as bar owner Sam Malone,

said in a statement to Deadline.

“She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard. As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died. I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her.”

Matt Lucas ends run as Great British Bake Off host

MATT Lucas has said “farewell” to the Great British Bake Off tent, as the comedian confirmed he was stepping down as a presenter of the show.

The 48-year-old said his three-series stint had been a “delicious experience” but the time needed to oversee bakes alongside other projects was too much.

“I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else,” the former Little Britain star wrote on Twitter.

Kirstie Alley died at the age of 71

Matt Lucas (far right) was a Bake Off presenter across three series

BTC TEAM CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING WITH GRATITUDE

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Over 1000 team members at Beaches Turks & Caicos participated in observing this year’s Thanksgiving Day at a special dinner organised by the resort’s Human Resources department. The resort’s culinary experts from the food and beverage department along with the team from human resources ensured that it was a thanksgiving to remember.

With service provided by the resort’s managers at the much-anticipated event, Carlton Salmon, houseman from the housekeeping department shared his reflections of gratitude. “I have worked at Beaches Turks and Caicos for more than 20 years and of one the reasons for me to be thankful this year, is the opportunity to be a part of this great team who all play a part in ensuring that we can celebrate our growth and progress as one team. The leadership of this resort has made us very comfortable and we thank them for the opportunity to give thanks like this,” Salmon shared.

An equally appreciative general manager James McAnally shared, “I have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. This event though tops the list as I am thankful to see these dedicated team members being able to take time out, pause and be thankful. As a resort, we have gone though many trying times over the last two years, but because of the resilient nature of these men and women who continue to give each guest more than he or she expects here at Beaches Turks and Caicos, I am thankful for the grit and determination of this entire team.”

Human Resources Manager, Owenta Coleby said, “The work put into making this thanksgiving dinner memorable has been a team effort and labour of love and gratitude. To plan and execute this event for our team shows that as a company, we are listening to our team as the way forward in building the family and work-life balance is paramount. This dinner helped to continue fostering our relationship as a team, the people we work with, who have become a family. We were able to sense the desire for an event of this style through our continuous open communication channels that we promote among the staff.”

Coleby added, “Our resort is cognisant of the fact that what we are able to

accomplish over so many years is primarily because of these dedicated men and women. I am thankful for their commitment and dedication to making the resort one of choice for employment and career development for the people of these beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.

As different team members expressed gratitude for personal as well as professional development facilitated, encouraged and provided through Beaches Turks & Caicos, several have also pledged their own commitment to be mentors by helping to inspire others to be their best.

Newly minted regional training and development manager for the Northern Caribbean, Julianna Musgrove shared, “I’m thankful for the continuous growth that I have experienced within this company. Being a part of this company, I have become equipped and empowered to be the leader that I am today. This company continues to invest in my abilities and ensure that I have been trained within this global brand to fulfill my current role of impacting not only the TCI, but resorts in the Bahamas. I am thankful for this vision and the way forward for this resort and every team member.”

Director of Sales, Groups and Conventions Tanya Swann shared, “I’m thankful for the commitment that Beaches Turks and Caicos has given to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the rest of the Caribbean and the wider world. This resort has created a culture of success for every team member at whatever level they may be. I’m thankful for the training and volunteerism opportunities afforded to each team member as this resort continues to give back to its team members, the communities and the countries in which we operate. This is the way forward for all team members.”

Djennie Osias, a relatively new team member who was experiencing this thanksgiving event for the first time beamed, “The purpose here for me is to dream bigger as I join this world class team, my success is now more than just an imagination but something that I am capable of seeing myself achieving. I look forward to many years of growth with Beaches Turks

Caicos”

&

Executvie Chef Gregg Zeringue (right) shares a thanksgiving moment with Chef Darline Rousseaux

Human Resources Manager Owenta Coleby (left) shares a happy moment with members of Food and Beverage team as her office express thanks to the team for the hard work that they have been do

Epix Photoshop

Photographer Carlos Brown (right) accepts his meal from one of the managers at the recently held Thanksgiving Dinner at the resort

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

FROM COMPASS TRUST LIMITED, PREVIOUSLY HALLMARK TRUST LTD 1145 LEEWARD HIGHWAY – PROVIDENCIALES

The public is given notice that Compass Trust Ltd is winding down its card operations. The following individuals and corporations still hold positive balances:

AALIYAH PENN

ADAM R FOSTER

ADDERLEY, BERNADI

ADDERLEY, THASHEN

ADINA CIURAR

ADRIAN WILLIAMS

AINSWORTH RICHARD

AISHA G JOLLY

AISHA SHAW

ALBERNIKA WILLIAMS

ALBERT GRANT

ALDITH CAMPBELL

ALEKIA GARDINER

ALEX CEDIEU

ALEXANDRA BAUCHE

ALEXANDRE,JAMES

ALEXES CLARE

ALI WILLIAMS

ALICIA BARNETT

ALIX SAIMPHA

ALLAN ROBINSON

ALLEN, LAURANCE K

ALMANDO RIGBY

ALMOND, JOHN G

ALMONTE, YULISA

AL'S HAULING & EQ

ALVANETTA WILLIAMS

ALVIRA FORBES

ALVIRTO SMITH

AMBER MAE HURDLE

ANDRE TURNER

ANDREW ADAMS

ANDREWS, GARRY

ANDRITA HARRY

ANDY WINTZ

ANGELA STUBBS

ANGENORD, PAUL

ANIKA HARVEY

ANISSA COVERLEY

ANNIE JEAN ADAMS

ANNIE SMITH

ANTHONY ASARO

ANTHONY PRATT

ANTHONY SWANN

ANTHONY WILLIAMS

ANTIONETTE OWUSU

ANTOINETTE RILEY

ANTONIO CLARKE

AQUILLE MOHAMMED

ARLENE JENNINGS

ARLIANA MUSGROVE

ARLINGTON MUSGROVE

ARNETTE SWANN

ARNOLD DELANCY

ARTHUR GARDINER JR

ARTHUR JANNAY

ARTLAINE ADAMS

ASHNIQUE BAIN

ASTRIDE JOSEPH LOUIS

AUTY, KATHRYN

AVENDANO,VICTOR

AYMA WILLIAMS

BAILEY, PETER-GAY

BAIN TYLA

BARBARA HANDFIELD

BARBARA JOHNSON

BARBARANNE WILSON

BARNETT, ALICIA BARRY, MICHAEL BASHIRU INUSAH

BECK, LARS REINE

BECKLEY, BRENT BEGGITTA GEORGE

BENCHAWAN PHANWONG

BENJAMIN WALKIN

BENJAMIN, DERBY

BENJAMIN,DANY BENNETT GARDINER BENNETT WILLIAMS BENSON RIGBY BENTLY JOHNSON

BERNADINO ADDERLEY BERNICE ROBINSON

BERNIQUE SMITH BERYL INGHAM BERYL KERR BETTY M PARKER

BIGGS MAUREEN ANN BLAINE LETTICE BLOMMIE SMITH BLOSSOM ROBINSON BLUE ROC PROPERTIES BOHIC, FREDERIC BOLAND JEFFREY H BORGELLA, LORRAIN BOWLEG-CAPRON, L BRADLEY, DAVID BRANDLEE JONES

BRENDA ZDENEK

BRENT ROBINSON BRIONCA ROXBURY

BRITTANY SWANN BROOKS, BRINNEY BROWNING,TIMOTHY

BRYAN HAMILTON

BRYANT BUAFUL

BRYANT COX BUTTERFIELD, NATA BYRNE,MARTIN

CADORET, GHISLAIN

CALBERT A BAKER

CALEY, JEROME

CALVIN ASHLEY CHASE

CAMARDIA HIGGS

CAPELLE, PAUL CAPRON,TOUSHAURN

CARAMENDA SMITH

CARLA OUTTEN

CAROL MISSICK

CAROL MORAES

CAROLIN INGHAM

CARRIE JENNINGS

CARRINGTON WILLIAMS

CATHERINE EWING

CATHERINE WILLIAMS

CHAKA SKIPPINGS

CHALSIANNA MISICK

CHANAY DICKENSON

CHANG,COLEEN

CHANTHAINA HANDFIELD

CHAPMAN ROKER

CHARISSE GIBBONS

CHARITE CARLINE

CHARITE, AUDELIN

CHARLES BAWUMEA

CHARLES GIBSON

CHARLES WHITTAKER

CHARLESTIN JOSEPH

CHAVES, EIMILDA

CHERY,DJAKENDA

CHERYL JONES

CHIN, JODI-ANN S

CHIN,UMEKO K

CHIQUITA WILLIAMS

CHOW - SOLID GOLD

CHRISHANDA HALL CHRISTAIN SIMMONS

CHRISTOPHER REID

CINDY BURTON

CLARK, NATHAN S

CLARKE, ANGELIA CLARKE, ANTONIO CLARKE, MAURICE

CLAUDE LIGHTBOURNE

CLAUDETTE BLENMAN

CLAUDETTE DIXON

CLAUDETTE SATCHWELL

CLAUDIA BURNSIDE

CLAUDIA WELLS

CLAUDY MANASSE

CLEOMIE BASSETT

CLOTILDA TAYLOR

CODNEY CAPRON JNR

COLIN CHAFFE

COLLEEN COOPER

COLLIN BENNETT

CONDISA EWING

CONI MALCOLM

CONNOLLY, JOSEPHI

CORDERRO LIGHTBOURNE

COURTNEY FOSTER

COX LAMAN

COX RIGBY ROSENEL

CRANDELL LIGHTBOURNE

CRAWFORD, RENE

CUNNINGHAM, MARY

CYNTHIA ADAMS

CYNTHIA RIGBY

D ONDRE BROOKS

DAIGLE, JEAN-MARC

DAINE WILLIAMS

DALTON, CALVIN

DAMEKO OUTTEN

DANELTA GREENE

DANIELLE MOMPREMIER

DANNEKA SMITH

DANY BENJAMIN

D'ARCEUIL, ROBERT

DARIA COAKLEY

DARIANNA LOUISON

DARRAK M WILLIAMS

DARREN CAMPBELL

DARREN LIGHTBOURNE

DARYL GREEN

DAVE MACNISH

DAVID DURHAM

DAVID, BRADLEY

DAYANA CALANA

DEAN, BRANFORD

DEANDRA HARVEY

DEBRA SAUNDERS

DEJALA HANDFIELD

DELANCY VERNICA A

DELANCY, MARILYN

DELANNO CLARKE

DELANO FORBES

DELLA HOWELL

DEMOND LIGHTBOURNE

DENISE ROBINSON

DENISE TAYLOR

DEREK HANNA

DERIVAL, JEANCILI

DERYK INGHAM

DEVAUGHN OUTTEN

DEVIN LOCKE

DEVON RIGBY

DEWIN WILLIAMS

DEXTER WILLIAMS

DEZOREE EWING

DIAMOND, WINSTON

DIEU JUSTE ALMONOR

DOLOR, RANDY

DOMINIQUE ELLIOTT

DONATIEN JEAN M

DONEITA QUANT

DONIQUE SATCHWELL

DONOVAN CLAYTON BEEN

DONOVAN IAN LINTON

DONOVAN LINTON

DOREEN RIGBY

DORIS N OWOH

DOROTHY DELANCY

DOROTHY HANDFIELD

DOROTHY LESCANEC

DOROTHY MALCOLM

DORVILUS, MERISSA

DREXEL PORTER

DUGGAN, DAVID R

DUVERGE,IRIS K

DWAYNIQUA POITIER

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

FROM

COMPASS TRUST LIMITED, PREVIOUSLY HALLMARK TRUST LTD 1145 LEEWARD HIGHWAY – PROVIDENCIALES

EBEN AHETO

EDDIE W SMITH

EDDISON SMITH

EDEN REIS

EDGAR CLARE

EDLY GEORGES

EDLYN SMITH

EDWARD DELANCY

EDWARD GLINTON

EDWARDS, D. JOHN

EDWARDS, LAWRENCE

EISENBERG, ANDREW D

ELDRA THOMAS

ELEAZOR SANTOS

ELENA SANTOS

ELEODORA VALDEZ

ELLENOR SMITH

ELLIOT HARVEY

ELLIOTT CUNNINGHAM

ELLIOTT JOHNSON

ELMAN ROUSTAMOV

EMERICK, MAYSA

EMILY HARVEY

EMMANUELLA INNOCENT

EMPARANZA, ANGEL

ENERGY SUPER INC

ENERGY SUPER, INC

ENRIQUE FREIRE

ERIC SIMMONS

ERICKA MAHON

ERMA MISSICK

ERNAIS EWING

ESPINOSA,FERNANDA

ESPINOZA, MARJORIE

ESQUIVEL, MANUEL

ETHLINE WILNER

EUNIKE SANTOSO

EVELYN GIBSON

EVELYN SIMMONS

EVENDEL CLAUDE BENJAMIN

EVERET WARRICAN

EVERLAST PRODUCTI

EWING, MAISHA M

EWING, NATASHA

EWING-CHASE, LIND

EYRE, JOANNE

FAIRBELL HARVEY

FALCAO,DIOGENES

FALLAS, DALIANA

FELESHIA FORBES

FENMORE CONSULTANTS

FERNANDEZ, YOVANY

FIONA SPEID

FITZROY PENDLEY

FITZROY PITTER JR

FLEXANDRA MISSICK

FORBES, EMILY E

FORBES, FAITHFUL

FORBES, MARTHA

FORBES, PATRICE

FORBES, SARAH IVY

FORBES,KANDRICK

FRANCIS SHELBY

FRANCIS, MARK

FRANCOIS REBECCA

FRANKLYN FLETCHER

FRANKLYN ROBINSON

FRANTZ ELIE SAINT JEUNE

FREDNOR TOUSSAINT

FREDRICK DAMES

FULFORD DA-SHEENA

GABRIELLE BARRANCO

GALVAN RICARDO

GAMEL CHIN GARCIA, ESTELA

GARDINER BRITNEY

GARDINER, GERARD GARDINER, SHIRLEY GARDNER,CASSY

GARLAND, WALTER GARTH BROWN

GARY HIGGS

GBV HOLDINGS LTD

GEE HANDFIELD

GENDLYNE,MORLEY

GEORGE, SHELINA GEORGES, EDLY

GEORGETTE WALKIN

GEORGIO S CHAMBERS

GERARD GARDINER

GERTRUDE ERILLIEN

GIAMMARELLA, CELSTE GIBBONS, CHARISSE

GIFTCARD SPECIALI GILBERT EWING

GILES, MAURICIO GIRI SRINIVASAN GISELLE AMBRISTER GLEN BARON

GLENROY MITCHELL GLODEEKA MOULTRIE

GLORIA FORBES GLORIA RIGBY GODFREY WILLIAMS GONZALEZ,MARTIN

GOODYEAR, GARY GRACE GLASGOW

GRANT, EUNIS A GREEN TANISE D GREEN, WILLIAM GREGORY SIMPSON

GREGORY WILLIAMS

GREGSTON BEEN GRENIER, GAETAN

GRETHEN BEEN GRISILDER LIGHTBOURNE GUERRIER, MARTINE GUESS STEVEN D GUEVARA,LUIS GUILLAUME, JINICE HALEJCIO, LUCAS C HALL, ROSE HALL,LETICIA HAMILTON JR, DERE HAMILTON, BRYAN HANDFIELD, BRENT

HANDFIELD, CENDOR HANDFIELD, DEJALA HANDFIELD, HENRY HANDFIELD, SHAMIT HANDFIELD, TABRIN HANDFIELD,BARBARA HANDFIELD,NERISSA HANS, EYMA HANSON CARLYLE HARDWICK TUCKER HARRIS, MARTHA HARRY, ADIAH A HARRY, ALINA A HARVEY, JOAN D HAYNES,IAN S HEARTLYN WRIGHT HEBER LAING HEMMINGS, GARFIEL HENAULT, SIMON HENRY SAUNDERS HERNANDEZ,ALFONSO HILDRED GRAY HIROSHI HO, THINH HOLLY FORBES HOWARD GARDINER HURD, JEANNINE

HYACINTH DEAN I.C. MANAGEMENT IN I.C. MANAGEMENT INC

IBALOR CALUCIN IMMACULA SAIMPHA

INDIRA HALL

IRA CLARKE

IRIS DUVERGE

IRMA COLEBY

IRVING KAYE-ANN

ITCHMALYDYNIE ESTIME

IVAN MIRABAL

JACQUES HERBERT CHERY

JACYNTHIA RIGBY

JADA P BAIN

JALESIA EWING

JAMAL EWING

JAMES RICHARDSON ALEXANDRE

JAMES, STEVEN

JAMIN ADAMS

JANARA JENNINGS

JANELLE HARVEY

JANET FORBES

JANET GREEN

JANIESE HENRY

JANNAY ARTHUR

JASMIN WALKIN

JASON HENFIELD

JEAN R ORESTE

JEANCILIA DERIVAL

JENNIE M RIGBY

JENNIFER WILLIAMS

JENNINGS,ARLNE

JERRED C M WILLIAMS

JERVON LAPORTE

JETON

JIMENEZ,CORNELIA

JIMMIE VERNON

JINICE GUILLAUME

JOAN HARVEY

JOANNE HANDFIELD

JOAO ROGERIO R

JOCELYN SAINTIL

JODDY HARVEY

JOEY QUINTO

JOHANNA WILLIAMS

JOHN EWING

JOHN SUTTON

JOHN THOMPSON

JOHNATHAN LINTON

JOHNIA S CHARLES

JOHNSON MARK DEVO

JONES COURLINE

JONES, COURLINE

JORDACHE QUANT

JORDAN GARLAND

JOSE RAMIREZ

JOSE, TEODORO

JOSEPH M VIXAILLE

JUANITA K HARRIS

JUDELINE VARIN

JUDYMAE DELANCY

JULIAN J HAWKINS

JULIE SMITH

JULIENNE SAGESSE B

JUNE HAWKINS

JUQUELL MORLEY

JUSTAMA, ERITHA

KABATHA SMITH

KAHALIA CAPRON

KAMARDIA SIMMONS

KAMELA RIGBY

KAMULA WILLIAMS

KANARD MYERS

KANDACY KNIGHTS

KANTHAL CAPRON

KAREN GARDINER

KAREN MISSICK

KATHLEEN KATHLEEN BARRINGTON

KAYE-ANN IRVING

KAYLA DELANCY

KEANO DELANCY

KEITH HOWELL

KEITH SIMONS

KELANO HOWELL

KELIS ELLIOTT

KENDAL WALKIN

KENESHA WILLIAMS

KENIESHA PARNELL

KENNETH JENNINGS

KENRICK NEELY

KERAN TOUSSAINT

KERTH WALKIN

KEVON GRIFFITHS

KIANA S DEAN

KIEANNA CAPRON

KISSIA THOMAS

KIZZYMAE HARRIS

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CONTINUED

KLETHEA HALL

KORNELL CARTER

KWASI INGHAM

KYLA WILLIAMS

KYN KEE CHOW, JOSEPH

LAGUNA LTD.

LAINYA WALKIN

LAKHANI, RAHUL

LAMON COX

LAPAGE ROLLE

LAPORTE, AISHA N

LASHANDA SMITH

LATRELLE WALKIN

LAURI, ANDRES

LAUSHINDER WILLIAMS

LAVERN HEATH

LAVERN INGHAM

L'ECUYER, PATRICK

LEDGISTER MISICK

LEE MACK FRANCOIS

LENFORD SINGH

LEODICA DELANCY

LEOTHA HARVEY

LEROY TULL

LESHONTAE MISSICK

LEWELL TAYLOR

LEWIS PAUL E

LEYVA, MARCELA

LIGHTBOURNE, DARR

LIGHTBOURNE, DEMO

LIGHTBOURNE, MICH

LIGHTBOURNE, PAUL

LIGHTBOURNE, SAND

LIGHTBOURNE,CRAND

LILIE STUBBS

LIMA IZNAGA, D YS

LIMITED BIMS

LINARES EDUARDO

LINARES ZELMA H

LINDSAY WRIGHT

LIONEL BARRANCO

LISA GARLAND

LISA MISSICK

LISETTE FORBES

LOPEZ, WASHINGTON

LOREZ THURSTON

LORRAINE JAMES

LOVENE SANCROFT

LTD A P HOLDINGS

LTD DIGICEL

LTD, BIMS

LTD, GBV HOLDINGS

LUCILA MISSICK

LUCNISE ISREAL

LUTISHA BOWLEG CAPRON

LUZIE CLERIZIER

LYN KEE CHOW, STEPHE

LYNDON ROBINSON

MAGDA BELLEVUE

MAHONY, NEIL

MAISHA EWING

MALCOLM, WALTER K

MALINDA LASHAWN GARLAND

MANASSE, CLAUDY

MANDRY WILLIAMS

MANFORD SEYMOUR

MARCEL DESROCHES

MARCELLIS COX

MARCIA CLARKE

MARIA ESTEVEZ

MARIANELA PUENTES

MARIE ARCHILLE

MARIE BELLE WILLIAMS

MARIE BOURGIE

MARIE-EVE GRENIER

MARILYN SAMUELS

MARIOKE FULFORD

MARK CONNOLLY

MARK HANDFIELD

MARLENE DIAMOND

MARLENY PICHARDO

MARLIN LIMITED

MARLYN ALEXANDER

MARQUES DA SILVA, A MARSHA E RADLEIN-LIGHTBOURNE

MARSHA LEWIS

MARTHA MISSICK

MARTHA PRISCILLA FORBES

MARTINEZ MAYRA

MARTINEZ, SHONIA MARTINEZ,MARCO

MASSANELLA, PATRICK MATTHEWS,JAVAUGHN

MAXCIA WILLIAMS

MAXINE M DELANCY

MAXINE WILLIAMS

MCDONALD PARKER MCINTOSH, TYRONE MCKIA HANNA MCKINGHT STEPHANI

MCLEAN, ANLY MCNISH, DAVE MCPHERSON BRADLEY

MEGAN C JOLLY

MEIBIS GARCIA

MELANIE GIBSON

MELINDA OUTTEN

MELISSA WILLIAMS

MELVA WILLIAMS

MELVERNE HALL

MELVIN ELSIE

MENDEZ, LUIS D

MERAN,ADELINA GAR

MERVIN JENNINGS

MICHAEL PALMER MICHAEL VAUGHAN

MICHELLE ROBINSON

MILANES CARLOS MILLS KISHMA A MISSICK JUDY V MISZORI, ISTVAN MONA FLEURIDOR MONICA MCINTOSH

MONICE ANNALEE SWEETING MORAN, DOMINIC MOREKA DELANCY

MORRIS, JOSEPH J MORRIS, KYMBALEE

MORRIS, RAE DAWN MORRIS, STEPHENSO MUNRO, ANDREW

MUNROE, MARTIN MUREL CORNETTE

MURTAUGH,COREY

MUSGROVE, SANDRA NADEAN PARKER

NADINE R REID

NANCY MISSICK ROLLE

NARIZA FORBES

NATASHA ARCHIBOLD

NATHALIE CAMPBELL

NATHAN CLARKE

NATHAN GREENBERG

NATISHKA LIGHTBOURNE

NAVA KARLA

NAYDEAN JOHNSON

NEIL MANGAHIS

NEKO RIGBY

NEMEKEN HARVEY

NEVARDE SMITH

NGUYEN, CHRIS NICKINA WILLIAMS

NICOLA GREEN

NIGEL GILKES

NINA SMITH

NIURKA IBANEZ

NOELLE CLARKE

NOVIA HIGGS

NOVLETTE BAILEY

OLGA KOBOZEVA

OLGA TAYLOR

ONEIL RILEY

ONESSA WHITTAKER

ORAL SELVER

OREAL ARIZA

OSNEL MERANVILLE

OUTTEN, ROOSEVELT

OWANTA WALKIN

PADMORE,SHERLOCK

PAN PACIFIC MANAGEMENT CORP

PARKER, NADEAN

PARVANI, DINESH

PATRICIA SAUNDERS

PATRINA HAMILTON

PATRINA HARRIS

PAUL TAYLOR

PAULA GARLAND

PAULA LIGHTBOURNE

PAULINA THEODORE

PAULINE RICHARDS

PEDRO SANTOS

PENN, DAPHNE

PENN,SEAN D

PEPPER POTHIER

PEREZ, LEAFAR

PERRY, RUSANTE

PETER MCCOMBS

PETERS-GRANT, CHE

PETRONA HAMM

PHILICIA LLOYD

PHILLIP PRATT JR

PHILLIP WILLIAMS

PIERRE NUMA

PINDER, LENICE M

PIZZUTI, ARMANDO

POTHIER, PEPPER J

PRATT LINDEN E

PRATT, DELANO J

PRATT, PHILLIP PREMIUM

PRISCILLA M ROKER

PRONK, VICTOR

QUEMI SMITH

QUINTIN SELVER

R J ROSENDALE

R WEINBERG

RA419 INVESTMENT L

RADICA BEEN

RAEDISHIAH CLARE

RAMIREZ ANA

RANDY HOWELL

RAPHAEL DELPECHE

RASHANELL RIGBY

RASHAWN FORBES

RASHID CYRUS

RAVON BOBB

RAYCAL HANDFIELD

RAYNELIS HOWELL

REBECCA FRANCOIS

REGDRICKA BECKFORD

REGINA MCKENZIE

REID, CHRISTOPHER

RENAY BROWN

RENE CRAWFORD

RHONDA GRANT

RHONDEISHA GRAY

RICHARD LEE BARKER

RICHARD THOMPSON

RICHARDSON EYMA

RICHARDS-XAVIER, RIGBY, ALMANDO F

RIGBY, MIRIAM

RIGBY, RASHANELL

RIGBY, RICHARD

RIGBY,BENSON

RILEY, ANTOINETTE

RILEY, WESLEY

RITTERSHAUSEN, JU

ROBERT ARCEUIL

ROBERT JOHNSON

ROBERT MORTELL

ROBERT OLIVER JOHNSON

ROBINSON V, DENIS

ROBYN LAUKIEN

RODMAN JOHNSON

RODNEY ADAMS

ROGDREKA ROLLE

ROGER OBERG

ROISIN BOURNE

ROJAY C ROBINSON

ROLANDE JOSEPH

ROLANDO CODIZAR

ROLLE, ELIZABETH

ROLLE, KOREA A K

ROMMEL FORBES

ROMMEL FORBES JR

ROMULUS, MYRLENE

RONA PETRO

ROP

ROSANGLES PENN

ROSELEE MISICK

ROSENDALE, RAYMOND

ROSHEEDA RUSSELL

ROSSDEUTSCHER

RUDILANIA HENRIQUEZ

RUPERT BERNABE

RUTH WILLIAMS

SADE WILLIAMS

SALDIVAR,HECTOR

SALINAS NAVA NOEL

SAMELL HARVEY

SAMUEL JULES

SAMUEL STUBBS

SANDRA HALL

SANDRA MUSGROVE

SANTAMARIA EMMANU

SANTOS PEDRO

SARAH FORBES

SARAH JANE COUTURE

SAUNDERS CARA

SAUNDERS CARA

SCANLAN, KEITH T

SCEON LEWIS

SCHNEIDER TODD

SCHULZE, WOLFGA

SEALY, LEVAN M

SEAN ASTWOOD II

SEAN PENN

SEWALL, BRYANT E

SHANETTE PADMORE

SHANGA ESCO RIGBY

SHANIA CLARKE

SHANIA ELLIOTT

SHANNON BAIN

SHANTA RIGBY

SHANTEL INGHAM

SHAVAR COOPER

SHAYLA DEAN

SHEARER, PHILIP

SHEMAR ZARA

SHENIQUA TAYLOR

SHENRIKA ROBINSON

SHERINA THOMAS

SHERLOCK PADMORE

SHERLOCK PADMORE II

SHIRLENE ROBINSON

SHIRLEY ELIZABETH GARDINER

SHIRLEYANN CARTER

SHONIA MARTINEZ

SHRESHTA GIRI

SIBONNE SMITH

SIGRID SELVER

SILK ROBERT E

SIMMONS MICHELINE

SIMON DOBBS

SIRANO HUNT

SIRIYO METELUS

SMITH, EDDIE SMITH, EDDISON W SMITH, LASHANDA

SMITH,THASYA

SONNETEL FORBES

SOTO, HAZEL

STACY CLARKE

STAISLAUS NEAL

STANIVUK, JASNA

STANLEY EYMA

STATHIS, PAUL D

STEFAN BEEN

STEPANEK, JIRI

STEPHANE HENFIELD

STEPHANIA HERCULES HIGGS

STEPHANIE M JOHNSON

STEPHENS, HAJNALKA

STEPHENS,ANDREQ

STEVE A PARKER

STEWART, MICHAEL S

STUBBS, ANIELA B

STUBBS, SAMUEL M

SULLIVAN, DIANE SWANN A, ANTHONY

SYRMOND GRAY

TABRINA HANDFIELD

TAJUANA EWING

TAKISHA G WILLIAMS

TAMARA HANDFIELD

TAMISHA BROWN

TAMMIE FRANCIS

TANECHA WILLIAMS

TANISE GREEN

TANISHKA HALL

TARSHA HALL

TATE FORBES

TATJANA MILOVANOVIC

TAVORITE,VANESSA

TAYLOR,DENISE E

TEDRA CARTER

TERENCE ASTWOOD

TESORERO,EMMANUEL

TESSIE JOHNSON

THASYA SMITH

THEMARLA SKIPPINGS

THERESA COX

THERIAULT, VICKI

THOMAS MISICK

THOMAS,STEVE P

TIANXIAO

TIFFANY DOUGLAS

TIMOTHY BROWNING

TINAJERO,JOSUE

TONGPEERA, PATTAMAN

TOUSHAURN CAPRON

TRACY RIGBY

TRAKANA TAYLOR

TRENTON GARRAWAY

TREVOR LEWIS

TULGA

TYRONE MCINTOSH

TYSON, THERESA M

UPPAL, PAUL J S

UTON GRAHAM

VALBUENA VIVIAN

VALERIA MISSICK

VALMIR, JASMIN

VANALSTINE,TRISTY

VAZQUEZ, MEIBIS

VENIS MISSICK

VERNICA DELANCY

VERNICE,ERIC

VERONA MELLIS

VERONICA RIGBY

VERONICA SEYMOUR

VERONICA SMITH

VILLET HARVEY

VIVIAN TYSON

WALKER, NATALIE C

WALKIN INT'L SERVICES CORP

WARESTON STUBBS

WARRICAN EVERET

WATSON, COLIN

WAYNE GARDINER

WEBBER, RITA

WENDELL ROLLE

WENDERA SEYMOUR

WENDY GUZMAN

WENDY SEYMOUR

WENTON ROLLE

WESLEY MISSICK

WESTON FEURTADO

WHYMNS, TRAVIS KE

WILBERT ROMELUS

WILDA SMITH

WILLETTE SWANN

WILLIAMS F, ALVIR

WILLIAMS, ALBERNI WILLIAMS, DAINE

WILLIAMS, KAMULA

WILLIAMS, MAXCIA

WILLIAMS, ROMANA

WILLIAMS,TAKISHA

WILSON, KYLE

WILTON TONY C

WINIFRED STUBBS

WINZOY RIGBY

WISLINE BAPTISTE

WOLFGANG SCHULZE

XAVIER EWING

YAKEVA RIGBY

YAMAZAKI, HIROS

YASHANTE WILLIAMS

YOCELIN BEEN

YOLLANDA HOLDER

YONORIS HERRERA

YOUDLIN CHARLES

YOVANY PICOS

YSAKY IZNAGA

YUDELKA ROSA

YVES MICHELI

ZENNIE MORRIS

ZILIANI, DANIELA

ZOILA RAMIREZ PRATT

Abacus House, P.O. Box 63 Leeward Hwy. Providenciales,

and Caicos Islands. T +1 649 946 4890. F +1 649-946-4892

• Plan and execute audits in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) or US GAAS for a wide range of clients.

• Review financial statements and accounting records to ensure they are in compliance with (IFRS), (IFRS for SMEs) or US GAAP.

• Identify and communicate auditing and technical matters to senior team members and the client.

• Examine and report on the design and implementation of internal controls within the organisation.

Salary range: $40,000 - $50,000 per annum

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Qualified ACA, ACCA, CPA or ACMA

Minimum of 6 years’ post graduate experience

DUTIES:

• Conduct audits of various clients in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and PwC audit methodology, reporting to responsible partner.

• Lead engagement teams through planning, execution and completion stages of audits, validation of financial reporting packages of multinational concerns and other varied special nature engagements.

• Establishing overall strategy and preparing Audit Plans in context of applicable financial reporting framework, International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and other industry specific reporting requirements.

• Supervising progress of audits including resolution of differences of professional judgment, addressing significant accounting and auditing questions arose during the audit, and review of work performed by team members.

• Assessing business and audit risks, coordinating with professionals of various fields such as legal, actuarial and IT experts and decision making for resolution of critical matters.

• Key liaison with clients.

• Evaluating internal controls identifying weaknesses therein and making appropriate recommendations to management for improvement.

• Coach staff by providing candid, timely and constructive feedback, and act as a counsellor for assigned associates and senior associates and coach them throughout the course of audit.

Salary range: $82,000 - $100,000 per annum

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

GRANT THORNTON TURKS & CAICOS LTD.

Turks

•

• Sound Technical knowledge of brewing, winemaking and distilling.

• Understanding of microbiology and aseptic lab technique

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

• Efficient computer skills. Salary $50,000 per year or commensurate with experience.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

Receive payments for products and services sold by the dealership. Greet showroom customers professionally and friendly and determine the nature of their visit as needed. Supports activities for the dealership. Duties may include fielding telephone calls, receiving and directing visitors, banking some bookkeeping functions, word processing, and filing.

JOB DUTIES AND TASKS:

• Must have at least 10 years work experience in elevator installation, repair and troubleshooting with Otis, Kone, and JRT Controller;

• Must be able to read and understand factor levels;

•

• Be willing to work after hours, holidays, and weekends, as required; Salary - $20.00 per hour.

• Greet showroom customers in a friendly and professional manner and determine the nature of their visit.

• Refers customers who have questions to the appropriate department/ individual.

• Handle customer concerns by directing them to the correct department, notifying the appropriate individual, or assisting them personally to resolve their problem.

• Respond to customer complaints with integrity and poise and, when necessary, refer dissatisfied customers to the appropriate individual for resolution.

• Enter data into Peachtree Dealership Management System/sales tracking system and prepare delivery reports for management review.

• Interact with multiple departments to ensure customer satisfaction.

• Receive and process customer cash/check payments.

• Receipts all monies received from vehicle sales and services, ensuring that payment received agrees with the invoice.

• Provide refunds to customers for returned merchandise as authorized by management.

• Reconcile and balance cash drawer daily.

• Disburse petty cash for miscellaneous parts and other purchases as authorized by management

• Balance petty cash vouchers against petty cash draw bi-weekly.

• Follow up with accounts receivable customers ensuring all outstanding payments are received as agreed.

• File all cash receipts records.

HANDYMAN

H2O Life.Style.Resort is looking for someone to fulfill the position of Handyman. The candidate must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a maintenance department and have knowledge in the following areas: electrical, plumbing, painting, general repairs and pool maintenance is preferred. Computer skills are also necessary to be able to order materials, write purchase orders and work orders. Knowledge of Microsoft excel is important. Must be a “hands on”, efficient worker and be able to work independently. Effective communication skills are important and be able to work along with other team members. Fluent in English, both written and spoken is required.

BEACH AND POOL ATTENDANT

H2O Life.Style.Resort is looking for a dynamic and energic person for the position of Beach and Pool Attendant. Job functions include but not are limited to the following: Consistently offering professional and friendly services for resort guests. Be able to handle guest concerns and react quickly and professionally in any situation. The candidate must have the ability to communicate with others and assist where help is needed, hotel policies, life safety procedures and operating service standards. To ensure a safe a clean work environment, maintain walkways, pool areas and beach areas. Clean, maintain, and set up water sport equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, kite, hobie cat and more. Fluent in English and be able to communicate in Spanish and/or French is preferred. Knowledge of kiteboarding and other watersports is preferred, and preference will be given to certified candidates.

• Close Charge Account invoices to accounts receivables as directed by the manager.

• Follow up with accounts receivable customers ensuring all outstanding payments are received as agreed.

• Responsible for shipping company/customs processing for the receipt of new vehicle inventory and paying relevant invoices and fees.

• Assist with vehicle registration and licensing process where required.

• Process bank deposits and wire transfers.

• Process vendor checks as directed by the Finance Manager.

• Assist with reconciling bank accounts and other internal accounts.

Competitive Salary commensurate with work experience and qualifications.

Butterfield Motors Ltd is looking for an experienced applicant for the following position

SCOPE:

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer is responsible for managing and coordinating the work of the Finance Division comprised of Accounting, Budgeting, Cash and Payroll. The Deputy CFO shall ensure proper accounting and financial reporting of all activities in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), sound business practices, and relevant regulations. This position also ensures effective systems of internal control to safeguard the NHIB assets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Oversees performance and service delivery standards in the accounting department and assisting the CFO with the operations of the Department.

• Managing, monitoring and assessing the achievements/outputs detailed in the department's work plan.

• Developing proposals and implementing strategies to mitigate risks and align the department to achieve its mandate.

• Supervises the department’s staff by assigning work schedules, monitoring progress, mentoring staff and promoting their professional development, appraising performance, Identifying and recommending training for staff, and recommending disciplinary action where identified.

• Working with goals/indicators to ensure performance and targets are achieved.

• Ensuring that all Public Finance Legislation and Ordinance are followed.

• Assisting the CFO with managing the cash flows and banking agreements.

• Assisting the CFO with tasks, including but not limited to planning, development, implementation, direction and evaluation of the NHIB’s fiscal functions and performances.

• Assisting the CFO with monitoring identified financial and administrative risks and reporting on same;

• Assisting the CFO with providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends in order to support the CEO and the Board in performing their

responsibilities.

• Assisting the CFO in developing, implementing and enforcing financial policies and procedures that will improve the overall operation, efficiency and effectiveness of the NHIB.

• Assisting with the timely completion of the financial statements and audit process.

• Ensures the confidentiality and security of all financial files.

• Leads the conduct of Monthly Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Review

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

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy or equivalent from an accredited tertiary institution plus six (6) years post qualification experience in a Senior Management position in Public Sector Accounting/Finance. or

• Master’s Degree in Accountancy or equivalent from an accredited tertiary institution plus four (4) years post qualification experience in a Senior Management position in Public Sector Accounting/Finance.

• Professional Accounting qualification (CA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent).

• Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point etc)

• Excellent team player with team building skills.

• Excellent writer and oral communication skills.

• Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure

• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP will be an asset.

• Awareness of business trends

• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year end close process

• Experience with risk management and risk reporting

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Aptitude for numbers and quantitative skills

SALARY

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience $72,000.00 per annum.

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• To work 6 days a week, hours of employment are flexible.

• Salary: $7.00 per hour

• Must have Bachelor’s Degree

• Minimum 6 years of prior related Supermarket work experience is must.

• Duties: To purchase products, Negotiate deals, Monitor inventory etc.

Andaz Turks and Caicos

As the Construction, FFE Finishes & QA Manager you will oversee the activity of the construction and quality assurance department and staff to ensure that the final product of the interior and exterior observes Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences quality standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the project team in sourcing, sampling and budgeting FF&E designs

• Assist the project team in documenting FF&E design on a variety of project types

• Manage the construction activities, schedule RFI’s and material submissions

• Assist the project team in producing presentation materials and in coordinating FF&E designs with vendors and other resources

• Assist the project team with selection, coordination, and documentation of interior architectural finishes

• Assist with project record-keeping

• Analyze the data thoroughly to find the areas of growth

• Develop strategies to improve the production process

• Eyeing on the objectives to maximize the profitability of the organization

• Providing training to individuals who handle the product

• Make sure whether the product goes through auditing and testing

• Make sure all the legal standards are met and review thoroughly the existing policies and standards

• Review the organization’s process to ensure whether they align with the current policies

• Formulate timely reports and documentation to track progress

• Track shipments and liaise with the broker

• Track progress against the master schedule

• Identify the training requirements to meet the quality standards

• Develop and monitor corrective measures

• Make documentation of internal audits and quality assurance activities

• Plan, conduct, and monitor the test, and inspecting the products to ensure its quality

• Analyze the data to find the areas for improvement

REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Quality Assurance or related field required

• Degree or related qualification in Architectural drafting

• Must have 5years experience in quality inspection, auditing and testing

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience

• Experience with AutoCAD, InDesign, Sketch Up, Auto Desk, Illustration, Photoshop and hand sketching

Salary: $60k to $90k per annum based on qualifications and experience.

A Luxury Villa Company is looking to employ an

A/C TECHNICIAN

• Installing, maintain and repair air conditioning

To work along with our Maintenance Team. Duties include but are not limited to: exposed to dust, fumes, noise and toxic materials and high voltage.

• Ventilate equipment and controls making sure that they operate efficiently and continuously

• Diagnose electrical and mechanical malfunctions and defect

• Clean blowers and coils, check belts and motors

• Inspect and maintain refrigerators and ice machines

The A/C Technician should be able to work in places where they are

The A/C technician should be capable of working in confined and hot spaces like roofs and attics.

This advert is for the renewal of a work permit. Renumeration for this position starts at $8.00 per hour. Interested persons are asked to forward their CV to hr@thesource.tc

HELP DESK TECHNICIAN

Department: IT Department Location: Grand Turk Annual Salary: $26,650.00 - $30,955.00

JOB SUMMARY

The Help Desk Technician role is to ensure proper computer operation so that end users can accomplish their daily duties. This includes receiving, prioritizing, documenting and actively resolving end user help requests. The Help Desk is also responsible for actively monitoring and maintaining the computer systems and networks within the Commission.

INSURANCE ANALYST I

Department: Insurance Location: Providenciales Annual Salary: $37,467.00 - $45,165.00

JOB SUMMARY

The Insurance Analyst is responsible for participating in the conduct of off-site examinations and on-site inspections of the financial and operational systems of insurance businesses, which involves, analyzing and verifying information to determine the entities’ financial status and level of compliance with their own internal policies and standards and relevant local and international standards, ordinances and regulations.

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

Applications should be emailed to administration@tcifsc.tc no later than December 23rd, 2022. A copy of the application should be submitted to the Employment Services Department by emailing to CHbacchus@gov. tc and MCadams@gov.tc. Applications received after the application deadline may not be considered in this recruitment phase but may be placed on file for future reference. While we appreciate your response, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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• Recording daily deposits

• Stocking office supplies for gas station

• General Maintenance & Service of Pumps

• Basic knowledge of Point of Sale System (POS)

• Must have at least five (5) years’ experience

• Must be able to read and write English

• Any other assigned duties Wages: From $7.50 per hour

Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Submit applications to by December 23, 2022 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd Human Resource Department 23 Parade Ave, Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

Labour Commissioner, Labour Department Airport Road, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands

NATURAL TRADE DISTRIBUTION

ASSISTANT MANAGER

REQUIREMENTS

• 10 year’s experience in Management, Sales and Retail Industry

• Diploma of Leadership and Management

• 5 year’s experience with QuickBooks accounting, Microsoft Office

• Must be fluent (written and oral) in English, Spanish and French

• Must have a valid TCI driver’s license, own vehicle and a clean record

• Flexibility with working hours, weekends and public holidays

DUTIES

• Assisting the general manager in organizing, planning and implementing strategy

• Coordinating day-to-day operations

• Recruiting and training new employees

• Monitoring and tracking operating costs, budgets and resources

• Creating reports, analyzing, interpreting and presenting data

• Managing customer complaints and resolving their issues

• Assisting with procurement of inventory and supplies

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following full-time position at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College commencing February 2023.

A. LECTURERS

Faculty of Business Administration:

• 1 Position:

o Accounting and Management Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics:

• 2 Positions:

o Computer Science / Information Technology

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate must have knowledge and skills obtained through collegiate preparation resulting in a Master’s degree (Doctorate preferred) which must include eighteen (18) graduate semester hours in the area being applied for, from an accredited and recognized institution plus a Teaching Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• A Lecturer shall facilitate teaching and learning opportunities for the effective functioning and optimum realization of the objectives of the college and the course being taught.

• Lecturers are required to teach across different academic levels from the GCE (A/L), CAPE and up to the Associate and Bachelor Degree levels. Multi-disciplinary candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for these positions.

• Minimum of three years post qualification teaching experience.

SALARY: LECTURER II:

(a) US$40,210.90 – $43,488.40 per annum. (b) US$43,012.53 – $46,290.03 per annum.

SENIOR LECTURER: US$47,837.24 – $51,114.74 per annum.

Whereas BENGT AKE GÖRAN OLSSON, of Sweden, has declared that the Land Certificate for the abovementioned title number registered in his name has been irretrievably lost.

Take Notice that I, Nicholas Arculus, Registrar of Lands shall cancel the land certificate for the said title within six weeks of the date of the first publication of this notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette. Date this 22 day of November, 2022. Signed:

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

*YOGA/FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

The applicant is required to have at minimum a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification

/ Group Fitness/ Barre Certification. Minimum 5+ years teaching experience and actively teaching. Current Liability Insurance and CPR Certification. Be willing and available to teach on average 4+ classes per week. Genuine ability to connect with complete strangers on a personal level and demonstrate the ability to teach a safe, fun, and creative class with a genuine interest in student success.

• The successful applicant will also need to have an outgoing personality with a strong desire to provide great client service. Have a strong desire to grow and the ability to take on and integrate feedback. Create a personal connection with each student and follow up with students after class. Set up classroom appropriately: props, mat spacing, music, lighting and be prepared to keep the studio space clean and organized. They must provide top-notch class instruction that is consistent with the class format and teaching methodology.

• Instructor will need to be flexible with work time and open to teach mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays as the schedule dictates. Applicant must speak English and must be a team player. Instructors who meet our initial standards will be contacted to schedule a preliminary audition. Further training will also occur before teaching commences. Salary: Commission based.

*SPA THERAPIST

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

*Spa Director The Spa Director is responsible for the daily operations, management, and profitability of the spa, along with the highest level of customer service and quality work environment.

REQUIREMENTS

• Oversee the management of all positions: front desk, spa technicians, teachers and boutique.

• Coordinate new hire orientations.

• Manage, coordinate, and/or conduct associate meetings and workshops for all product line.

• Perform all Human Resources functions, according to corporate policies.

• Promote events and activities within the local community by creating marketing collateral to provide continuous engagement

• Monitor daily sales activities to ensure that all transactions are completed accurately.

• Ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of spa facility. Control and maintain a high quality of music selection and HVAC.

• Ensure spa treatment quality controls, including service, cleanliness, and product usage.

• Manage the preparation of purchase orders for professional treatment and operational supplies.

• Maintain proper inventory levels for all professional and retail products.

• Finalize payroll.

• Conduct annual performance reviews of supervisory and hourly associates, where applicable.

• Partner with Controller to prepare monthly financial variance reports and participate in the development of the annual budget.

• Maintain expertise regarding all standard operating procedures and policies.

• Coordinate press visits, as requested by Ownership.

• Assist with special projects, events, and promotions as needed.

• Adhere to all corporate, departmental and spa operational policies and procedures.

• Respond to guest questions and associate concerns in a timely, professional manner.

• Maintain a high level of guest rapport and service.

• Adhere to company guidelines and core values.

• Maintain a working knowledge of all Spa classes, services, and products.

• Attend Spa class a minimum of three times a week.

• Demonstrate positive attitude and actions through a display of courtesy, service, cooperation, hospitality, sensitivity and professionalism to internal guests.

• Manage department to achieve or exceed desired unit metric goals.

• Increase gross margins of the business through optimal scheduling, staffing pans, and capacity utilization.

• Improve guest service + satisfaction levels through heightened levels of communication and personal presence in the unit.

• Manage department to achieve or exceed desired unit metric goals.

• Increase gross margins of the business through optimal scheduling, staffing pans, and capacity utilization.

• Improve guest service + satisfaction levels through heightened levels of communication and personal presence in the unit.

EDUCATION AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED

• Minimum of three (5) years’ experience in a Spa for Luxury Hotel.

• Certificate in VOYA Therapy and Organic Teaching.

• Certificate in Massage Therapy required.

• Certificate in Massage Yoga required.

• Certificate in Face & Body Treatments Training.

• Current CPR certification.

• At least two (3) years professional teaching experience for beginning, intermediate and advanced yoga; also fitness training preferably in a highend and/or hospitality environment.

• Must be enthusiastic, motivated, and a team player.

• Must possess computer proficiency with Windows-based products.

• Must have outstanding experience delivering high-quality customer service.

• Display good organizational, written, and verbal skills.

Salary range: 40K – 50K per annum

*ROOM ATTENDANT

Report directly to the Assist Director of Housekeeping. Responsible for the overall cleanliness of assigned rooms/suites and provide a pleasant, comfortable experience for guest. Reports maintenance deficiencies in order to maintain rooms/suites in compliance with standards. Compensation: $6.25 per hour

*LABOURER

Must have experience in a resort, knowledge of cleaning and preventative maintenance process and pays keen attention to details. Transports and generally maintain all of Maintenance areas. Compensation: $6.25 per hour

*HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMMER

Responsible for developing and executing our Health and Wellness programs and promote events and activities with our guests. The Health and Wellness programmer will coordinate with incoming guests/group/events planners on details prior to arrival to curate their health and wellness package and treatments. Be accountable for all aspects of daily operations with focus on offering a world class health and wellness program, achieving sales targets and delivering an exceptional level of customer service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Develop promote and maintain health and wellness, record and nutrition menu.

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

• Ability to promote the overall health and wellness benefits of massage therapy and wellness practices.

• Responsible for the health and safety of all individuals attending classes and treatments as it relates to safety practices and conditions.

• Handle administrative tasks including but not limited to scheduling, budgeting, reporting, operational purchasing, inventory and preventative maintenance.

• Ensure safety and cleanliness are maintained in all areas of responsibility by inspecting facilities and addressing areas of concern.

• Be flexible with work time for guest’s consultation on services and booking private sessions.

SKILLS:

• A passion for health, wellness and people.

• High level of enthusiasm and motivation.

• Ability to work flexible schedule including days/weekends/holidays.

• Demonstrated ability to balance coaching/mentoring with disciplining.

• Strong organizational/planning and computer skills.

• Retail management/sales experience is a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• At least 2 years of experience in Wellness / Fitness

• Health Certification.

• CPR/AED Certification.

• Experience in luxury hospitality industry desirable.

• Strong written/oral communications.

• Solid leadership skills.

• A passion for people and their wellness.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines. Caribbean experience an asset. Salary Range: $25k-$ 35k

RESERVATIONS AGENT

Oversee the efficient operation of the reservations department in selling of guest rooms to accommodate guest needs and maximize revenue. The Reservations Agent is the first point of contact for the resort for all inbound inquires. He/she will be responsible for taking all future reservations for the resort and managing all client inquiries and requests. Will work with the Revenue Manager and Sales Team. The Reservations Agent is energetic, personable, independent, and accustomed to fast paced environment. He/she is flexible and, always maintain their professional composure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Answer the telephone (or respond to written communication) and greet prospective guests in a friendly manner using clear English communication. Listen to callers to understand inquiries and requests and promptly provide accurate information regarding availability, accommodation types, transportation to and from hotel, rate, etc.

• Promote Wymara Resort and Villas marketing programs and assign reservations based on guest preferences and availability.

• Coordinate the input of all Group rooming lists and the posting of their deposits, as well as any subsequent revisions to group reservations. Periodically meet with General and Revenue managers to handle group requirements.

• Coordinate and maintain all VIP, Leisure & IT market allotments and Tour blocks in accordance with contractual obligations in the Central Reservations System.

• Assist the Revenue Manager in the processing of daily reports, as well as group and individual reservations data utilizing systems, spreadsheet software & basic mathematical skills.

• Attend meetings (Staff, Revenue Management, Pre-convention, departmental meetings and others) as needed.

• Assist other departments as required.

Salary range: 25K per annum

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MAINTENANCE

SUPERVISOR

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CONCIERGE /GUEST RELATIONS AGENT

FRONT DESK

BEACH STAFF

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Salary: $6.25 Hourly

THE SOURCE LTD

We are looking for an experienced, friendly, and reliable Guest Relations and Service Trainer to join our company with experience in social marketing and a background in quantifiable performance measures. Looking to strengthen our team to cope with South American and European guests this applicant must be fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Applicant will be responsible for all aspects of Guest Relations; overseeing and training other concierges; assisting with staff scheduling; guest facing service training for house staff to meet and or exceed the guest expectation. The Applicant will also be responsible for managing marketing initiatives to Customers. This person will have experience in guest relations for high-end accommodation, preferably established hotels and provide back up and support to the reservations team. The position is an integral part of making our guests stay memorable from enquiry stage through to departure.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

• Improve and implement training program for guest relations, with a focus on emotional hospitality.

• Develop, maintain, and measure success of revenue opportunities in concierge department.

• Develop and manage guest satisfaction measures.

• Organize and execute events for high-profile guests.

• Continue engagement with customers through social marketingInstagram and Facebook.

• Prepares for customer service inquiries by studying services and customer service processes.

• Responds to customer inquiries.

• Communicating with guest and others over the phone, internet and in person. Documenting inquiries and responses from guests.

• Skills in problem solving in difficult circumstances and time constraints.

• Skill and imagination in creating incredible itineraries and luxury highly serviced experiences for demanding guests.

CONCIERGE REQUIREMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Hospitality or Business Management.

• Must have participated in other certificate training programs, such as tourism marketing, event planning, travel planning, customer service, training the trainer, Service with a leading edge, Red Cross/CPR

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury and high-end hotel / accommodations.

• Experience in organizing events and parties.

• Experience in social marketing initiatives targeting guests.

• Qualifications and expertise in training others.

• Previous guest service training experience at a five-star facility, General consulting skills, multi-tasking.

• Multi-lingual, fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese is preferred

• Must be able to work efficiently under pressure.

Interested persons are asked to email a copy of their resume to hr@thesource.tc and take a copy down to The Department of Labour.

• Responsibilities to include cleaning (dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping floors etc.), emptying trash cans, servicing restrooms, inventory control, stocking supplies, performing routine inspection and maintenance and informing management of any repairs for office and domestic premises.

• Must be able to handle equipment used in cleaning, have knowledge of cleaning products and excellent organizational skills. Valid Driving License.

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TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

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

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Department: Finance Location: Providenciales

Annual Salary: $73,185.00 - $83,640.00

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Deputy Managing Director, the Director of Finance is responsible for managing, executing and reporting on activities within the FSC’s finance and accounting in accordance with the Financial Services Commission Ordinance, Government policies and standards and generally accepted accounting practices and standards in order to ensure that suitably skilled and motivated employees are employed, physical assets and office systems are maintained and financial records are accurate and current.

INSURANCE ANALYST II

Department: Finance Location: Providenciales

Annual Salary: $73,185.00 - $83,640.00

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Deputy Managing Director, the Director of Finance is responsible for managing, executing and reporting on activities within the FSC’s finance and accounting in accordance with the Financial Services Commission Ordinance, Government policies and standards and generally accepted accounting practices and standards in order to ensure that suitably skilled and motivated employees are employed, physical assets and office systems are maintained and financial records are accurate and current.

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

Applications should be emailed to administration@tcifsc.tc no later than December 23rd, 2022. A copy of the application should be submitted to the Employment Services Department by emailing to CHbacchus@gov.tc and MCadams@gov.tc. Applications received after the application deadline may not be considered in this recruitment phase but may be placed on file for future reference. While we appreciate your response, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Rare ice age fossils discovered on the drought-stricken Mississippi River

RECENTLY exposed sandbars along the droughtstricken Mississippi River have caught the attention of fossil hunters, leading to two exceptional finds from a rare ice age species.

Wiley Prewitt was exploring a newly exposed area on October 26 when he came across a rather large tooth poking out of the sand. The Oxford, Mississippi, resident would soon learn it was a fossilized jawbone from a giant American lion, a species that has been extinct for roughly 11,000 years.

“I knew immediately just by the shape of the teeth that it was a carnivore fossil, but of course, I did not know that it was (an American) lion. We all know about those, but you never dream that you’re going to find one,” Prewitt said. “I just couldn’t believe it. It was hitting the fossil lottery. ”

The American lion was the largest extinct cat to live in North America during the last ice age, according to the National Park Service.

The American lion, otherwise known as Pathera atrox, was the largest extinct cat to live in North America during the last ice age, according to the National Park Service.

Known by its scientific name, Panthera atrox, meaning “fearsome panther” in Latin, the species was 25% larger than a presentday African lion, standing at 4 feet tall at the shoulders and measuring 5 to 8 feet

in length. American lions weighed between 500 to 800 pounds on average, although some of the biggest may have topped 1,000 pounds, the park service notes.

Three days after Prewitt’s find, the Mississippi Fossil

and Artifact Symposium & Exhibition hosted an event featuring previously discovered American lion fossils. Prewitt took the fossil in the hope of having experts identify it, but he didn’t know how significant his find would be to understanding a little more about Mississippi’s past.

“When (Prewitt) whipped out that anterior portion of a lion jaw, I knew right away what it was,” said George Phillips, curator of paleontology at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, who was at the event. “Who would have thought in a million years that another lion fossil would show up, considering that they’re rare, at an event (in) which the theme was the American lion?”

While the fossil was not a complete jawbone, plenty was left to identify the specimen easily, Phillips said: It had a significant gap between the canine and the premolars that could only belong to the American lion.

After observing other fossils from the same species at the event, Phillips said it was easy to narrow down the other carnivore possibilities and confirm that he was looking at another fossil from the lion.

One week after that surprising discovery, a local wildlife officer pulled a large American lion femur from the river’s sediment, resulting in

another fossil from the same scarce species being added to the museum’s collection, Phillips told CNN.

Carnivore fossils are much harder to find in comparison with their prey counterparts, according to Phillips. Two American lion bone discoveries within a week or so is unbelievable, he said, calling it “just an incredibly rare fossil.”

Science & Technology

Dementia risk may increase if you’re eating ultraprocess foods, study says

WE all eat them — ultraprocessed foods such as frozen pizza and ready-to-eat meals make our busy lives much easier. Besides, they are just darn tasty — who isn’t susceptible to hot dogs, sausages, burgers, french fries, sodas, cookies, cakes, candy, doughnuts and ice cream, to name just a few?

If more than 20% of your daily calorie intake is ultraprocessed foods, however, you may be raising your risk for cognitive decline, a new study found.

That amount would equal about 400 calories a day in a 2,000-calories-a-day diet. For comparison, a small order of fries and regular cheeseburger from McDonald’s contains a total of 530 calories.

The part of the brain involved in executive functioning — the ability to process information and make decisions — is especially hard hit, according to the study published Monday in JAMA Neurology.

In fact, men and women who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline and a 25% faster rate of executive function decline compared with people who ate the least amount of overly processed food, the study found.

“While this is a study of association, not designed to prove cause and effect, there are a number or elements to fortify the proposition that some acceleration in cognitive decay may be attributed to ultraprocessed foods,” said Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine and nutrition, who was not involved in the study.

“The sample size is substantial, and the follow-up extensive. While short of proof, this is robust enough that we should conclude ultraprocessed foods are probably bad for our brains.”

There was an interesting twist, however. If the quality of the overall diet was high — meaning the person also ate a lot of unprocessed, whole fruits and veggies, whole grains and healthy sources of protein — the association between ultraprocessed foods and cognitive decline disappeared, Katz said.

“Ultraprocessed foods drag

diet quality down, and thus their concentration in the diet is an indicator of poor diet quality in most cases,” Katz said. “Atypical as it seems, apparently some of the participants managed it. And when diet quality was high, the observed association between ultraprocessed foods and brain function abated.”

IT’S NOT A LOT OF CALORIES

The study, presented Monday at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego, followed over 10,000 Brazilians for up to 10 years. Just over half of the study participants were women, White or college educated, while the average age was 51.

Cognitive testing, which included immediate and delayed word recall, word recognition and verbal fluency were performed at the beginning and end of the study, and participants were asked about their diet.

“In Brazil, ultraprocessed foods make up 25% to 30% of total calorie intake. We have McDonald’s, Burger King and we eat a lot of chocolate and white bread. It’s not very different, unfortunately, from many other Western countries,” said coauthor Dr. Claudia Suemoto, an assistant professor in the division of geriatrics at the University of São Paulo Medical School.

“Fifty-eight percent of the calories consumed by United States citizens, 56.8% of the calories consumed by British citizens, and 48% of the calories consumed by Canadians come from ultraprocessed foods,” Suemoto said.

Ultraprocessed foods are defined as “industrial formulations of food substances (oils, fats, sugars, starch, and protein isolates) that contain little or no whole foods and typically include flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic additives,” according to the study.

“People who consumed more than 20% of daily calories from processed foods had a 28% faster decline in global cognition and a 25% faster decline in executive functioning compared to people

who ate less than 20%,” said study coauthor Natalia Gonçalves, a researcher in the department of pathology at the University of São Paulo Medical School.

IT’S NOT JUST THE BRAIN

In addition to the impact on cognition, ultraprocessed foods are already known to raise the risk of obesity, heart and circulation problems, diabetes, cancer and a shorter life span.

“Ultraprocessed foods in general are bad for every part of us,” said Katz, president and founder of the nonprofit True Health Initiative, a global coalition of experts dedicated to evidencebased lifestyle medicine.

Ultaprocessed foods are usually high in sugar, salt and fat, all of which promote inflammation throughout the body, which is “perhaps the most major threat

to healthy aging in the body and brain,” said Dr. Rudy Tanzi, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of the genetics and aging research unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was not involved in the study.

“Meanwhile, since they are convenient as a quick meal, they also replace eating food that is high in plant fiber that is important for maintaining the health and balance of the trillions of bacteria in your gut microbiome,” Tanzi added, “which is particularly important for brain health and reducing risk of age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.”

WHAT TO DO

How can you keep this from happening to you? If you include ultraprocessed foods in your diet, try to counter these by also eating

high-quality, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

“The conclusion suggested here is that ultraprocessed foods are, indeed, an important ‘ingredient,’ but the exposure that should be the focus of public health efforts is overall diet quality,” Katz said.

One easy way to ensure diet quality is to cook and prepare your food from scratch, Suemoto said.

“People need to know they should cook more and prepare their own food from scratch. I know. We say we don’t have time but it really doesn’t take that much time,” Suemoto said.

“And it’s worth it because you’re going to protect your heart and guard your brain from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease,” she added. “That’s the take-home message: Stop buying things that are superprocessed.” (CNN)

Number of smokers drops as vaping rises, data shows

THE number of people smoking in the UK dropped to its lowest level on record last year but more people were using e-cigarettes, new figures have revealed.

Data from the Office for National Statistics found around 13.3% of people aged 18 or over smoked cigarettes in 2021, down from 14.0% in 2020.

But 7.7% of those aged 16 and over said they used e-cigarettescompared to 6.4% in 2020.

The first ONS records on smoking were in 2011 and found 20.2% had smoked.

The ONS said the latest data was

a “statistically significant” drop.

The decrease in the numbers of smokers may be partly due to more people turning to electronic cigarettes, James Tucker, data and analysis for social care and health division at the ONS, said.

He said: “This is the lowest proportion of current smokers since 2011, when we began recording smoking prevalence from the annual population survey (APS).”

The ONS said that vaping devices such as e-cigarettes had played a “major role” in reducing the numbers of smoking across the UK.

It added that e-cigarette use was highest among current cigarette smokers at 25.3% and ex-cigarette smokers at 15.0%, with only 1.5% of people who have never smoked saying that they currently vape.

But it added that vaping may not be the only factor for a drop in smoking numbers.

It could also be due to increased public awareness campaigns and smoke-free places such as pubs and offices.

The government’s tobacco control plan aims to reduce

Ultraprocessed foods, like burgers and fries, could raise your risk for cognitive decline if it’s more than 20% of your daily calorie intake, a new study found

Science & Technology

Oldest DNA reveals two-million-year-old lost world

The most ancient DNA ever sequenced reveals what the Arctic looked like two million years ago when it was warmer.

Today the area in North Greenland is a polar desert, but the genetic material, extracted from soil, has uncovered a rich array of plants and animals.

The scientists found genetic traces of elephant-like mastodons, reindeer and geese that roamed among birch and poplar trees, and of marine life including horseshoe crabs and algae.

The research is published in Nature.

Prof Eske Willerslev, who carried out the study, from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Cambridge said that this mixture of Arctic and temperate species living side by side has no modern equivalent.

The research was conducted in an area called the Kap København Formation, which is in the northernmost part of Greenland.

Until now, it’s been hard to turn back the clock and see what this region was like two million years ago. Animal fossils from this period are extremely rare there.

“In fact, from the Kap København, the only animals that have ever been discovered through macro fossils are a hare’s tooth and a dung beetle. So people had no idea what kind of fauna was there back then,” explained Prof Willerslev.

Instead, the team turned to environmental DNA - or eDNA. This is genetic material that is shed from plants and animalsfor example, from skin cells or

droppings - and accumulates in their surroundings.

It’s a technique that’s now widely used in conservation. For example, studying the DNA found in a drop of sea water can reveal all of the creatures that have lived in a patch of ocean, even if you can’t see the individual animals yourself.

In Greenland, the team used ancient soil samples to look back in time at the biology of the Early Pleistocene Epoch.

They found a forest ecosystem, with Arctic shrubs, herbs, ferns

Number of smokers drops as vaping rises...

smoking prevalence among adults in England to 12% or less by the end of 2022.

The UK nation with the biggest proportion of current smokers in 2021 was Scotland at 14.8%, with the lowest being England at 13.0%, the ONS added.

Elsewhere, Wales and Northern Ireland reported 14.1% and 13.8% current smokers respectively.

Men were more likely to be current smokers in 2021 with 15.1% of men smoking compared with 11.5% of women in the UK.

The highest number of current smokers was found in the 25 to

34-year-old age bracket at 15.8%, while the lowest was those aged 65 and over at 8%

The ONS said that people who had no qualifications were more likely to be current smokers at 28.2%, compared to those whose highest level of education was a degree or equivalent at 6.6%.

The NHS website says that, while not risk-free, vaping poses less of a risk than tobacco cigarettes. However, the long-term effects of vaping are not yet known.

It is against the law to sell e-cigarettes to those aged under-18. (BBC)

and mosses growing among the trees.

Among the discovery of DNA from creatures like rodents, reindeer and geese, the unearthing of mastodon DNA was a surprise - Prof Willerslev told the BBC no one had found the elephant-like creatures in Greenland before.

Two million years ago, North Greenland was much warmer than it is now. The average annual temperatures were about 11-19C hotter.

“What it really tells us is that the plasticity of biological organisms -

in terms of where they can live and the plants or animals that can live together - is way larger than what we thought,” he said.

Extracting and sequencing the DNA from the soil wasn’t easy - it took the team years to work out the best technique to use. They even thought it might not be possible for genetic material to survive this long.

Prof Willerslev said: “I wrote a paper in 2005, where I said I thought DNA would not survive for more than a million years, and here we are with DNA that’s two

million years old.”

He thinks a chemical reaction between the DNA and the soil slowed any degradation.

“DNA is electrically charged molecules, and many of the minerals we see in the soil are also electrically charged. Therefore, the DNA will basically bind to solid minerals, and when it does this, it reduces the rate of spontaneous degradation.”

If more environmental DNA is found to survive at other sites, the discovery could change the way we view the ancient world. (BBC)

The decrease in the numbers of smokers may be partly due to more people turning to electronic cigarettes

Researchers found genetic traces of the plants and animals that once lived in the north of Greenland

Sports International

LTA fined £820,000 for ban on Russian players

THE Lawn Tennis Association has been fined £820,000 by the ATP for banning Russian and Belarusian male players from this summer’s grass-court events.

The ban was imposed in reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The governing body has also been warned it could lose its ATP membership if a similar decision is made next year.

The LTA says it is “deeply disappointed” and has accused the ATP of showing a “surprising lack of empathy for the situation in Ukraine.”

The punishment follows sixfigure fines for the LTA and the All England Lawn Tennis Club, who organise Wimbledon, from the WTA for excluding female Russian and Belarusian players.

The ATP, which oversees men’s tennis events outside of the Grand Slams, allows Russians and Belarusians to compete in Tour events but not under their national flags.

“The ATP, in its finding, has shown no recognition of the exceptional circumstances created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or the international sporting community and UK Government’s response to that invasion,” the LTA

said in a statement.

“The ATP appear to regard this matter as a straightforward breach of their rules - with a surprising lack of empathy shown for the situation in Ukraine, and a clear lack of understanding of the unique circumstances the LTA faced.”

The LTA has been fined $200,000 (£164,018) for each of

Brittney Griner: Russia frees US basketball star in swap with arms dealer Bout

THE US and Russia have exchanged jailed US basketball star Brittney Griner for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, held in an American prison for 12 years.

President Joe Biden said Griner was safe and on a plane home from the United Arab Emirates.

“I’m glad to say Brittney’s in good spirits... she needs time and space to recover,” he said at the White House.

Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing cannabis oil and last month sent to a penal colony.

The Biden administration proposed a prisoner exchange last July, aware Moscow had long sought Bout’s release.

The elaborate swap involved two private planes bringing the pair

to Abu Dhabi airport from Moscow and Washington respectively, and then flying them home. According to Politico website they walked past each other on the airport tarmac.

“The Russian citizen has been returned to his homeland,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement, although he was not yet thought to have arrived on Russian soil.

Russian news agencies said he was still being flown to Vnukovo airport near Moscow.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Griner’s wife Cherelle praised the efforts of the Biden administration in securing her release: “I’m just standing here overwhelmed with emotions.” The ordeal had been one of the darkest moments of her

the five ATP events it staged this year: the tour level events at The Queen’s Club and Eastbourne, and the Challenger tournaments at Surbiton, Nottingham and Ilkley.

The LTA followed the All England Club’s (AELTC) lead when it decided to ban all Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon, following government

pressure.

On Wednesday, Thomas Bach - president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) - said he disagreed with the decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to ban Russian and Belarusian players, saying: “Governments should not decide the grounds on who participates in which sports events. [It] should be on sporting merits, not on political interference.”

The women’s WTA Tour has already fined the LTA $750,000 (£615,067) for excluding the players from its grass court events in Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne.

The LTA’s strongly worded statement continued with a warning that the fine will affect future tournaments being staged in the UK.

“The financial impact of both this fine and the WTA’s fine will have a material impact on the LTA’s ability to develop and host tennis in this country,” it continued.

“For example, we had intended to host a number of ATP Challenger level events to give more opportunities to lower ranked players in the first quarter of 2023 and will now not be able to do this, particularly given the possibility of

further fines.

“We will carefully consider our response and we await the outcome of our appeal against the WTA’s decision and sanction.”

Both the ATP and the WTA stripped Wimbledon of ranking points this year, and it has not been lost on the LTA that points will be awarded at this month’s United Cup - despite Russian players being excluded.

The ATP will donate the fine to humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

Another very sensitive decision awaits the AELTC and the LTA in the spring. With no end to the war in Ukraine in sight, the two organisations will have to decide whether they are prepared to incur the wrath of governing bodies and some players by banning Russians and Belarusians once again.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Michelle Donelan said: “Despite widespread condemnation, the international tennis tours are determined to be outcasts in this, with investment in the growth of our domestic game hampered as a result.

“This is the wrong move by the ATP and WTA. I urge them to think carefully about the message this sends, and to reconsider.” (BBC)

life, she added.

A joint Saudi-UAE statement revealed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had taken a leading role in mediation efforts, along with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

The heir to the Saudi throne has good relations with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and in September he helped co-ordinate a complex

swap of hundreds of prisoners held by Russia and Ukraine.

When negotiations began to secure Griner’s release during the summer, the US made clear it wanted ex-marine Paul Whelan to be included in an exchange. But it became clear Whelan, jailed in 2018 on suspicion of spying, would not be part of the Russian swap, dashing the hopes of his family.

Russia’s foreign ministry appeared to allude to the disagreement, complaining in its statement that “Washington categorically refused to engage in dialogue on the inclusion of [Viktor Bout] in the exchange scheme”.

In the end President Biden signed the order for Bout’s release, commuting his 25-year jail term, in a direct swap for Griner. (BBC)

Russian Daniil Medvedev was top of the men’s world rankings when he was banned from playing Wimbledon in 2022

Brittney Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing cannabis oil and last month sent to a penal colony.

Hero World Challenge: Hovland holds off Scheffler to retain title

NORWAY’S Viktor Hovland held his nerve to see off a spirited challenge from Scottie Scheffler and retain the Hero World Challenge title in the Bahamas.

Hovland was in danger of squandering a two-shot lead on the final hole but he salvaged an unlikely bogey.

Scheffler also bogeyed the 18th after his chip from a waste bunker caught the edge of the hole and ran 15 feet past.

That left Hovland to celebrate an unexpectedly dramatic two-shot win on 16 under par, after a closing 69.

The Ryder Cup player, 25, had a three-shot lead over Scheffler overnight but set up a nervy finish on Sunday’s final hole, pulling his second shot from an awkward lie on the edge of a bunker into the water before managing to get up and down for a bogey.

“It’s freaking nerve-racking,” said Hovland. “I was leading by five I think after the turn and didn’t play all that great on the back nine but it was good enough. It made it a little bit exciting I guess.”

Scheffler, who needed to win to reclaim top spot in the world rankings from Rory McIlroy, momentarily held a share of the lead when the Masters champion followed birdies on the second and fourth by chipping in for eagle on the sixth.

However, playing partner Hovland holed from 20 feet on the same hole to edge back in front and Scheffler’s hopes looked to have disappeared with a bogey on the seventh and double bogey on the par-five ninth.

Scheffler then kept the pressure on with four birdies on the back nine, which almost paid off on the 18th.

Kenya looks to criminalise doping in athletics after string of cases

KENYA’S sports minister intends to criminalise doping in athletics in an attempt to bring an end to a string of cases in the sport.

The east African country avoided a sanction by governing body World Athletics - despite having 55 athletes serving suspensions - last week after committing to spend $25m over the next five years to combat doping.

Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba hopes to fast track amendments to legislation and crack down on doping the same way the government does with drugs.

“Right now, the Kenya AntiDoping Act of 2016 is not, in my view, sufficiently loaded to deal with this challenge with the force required,” Namwamba told BBC Sport Africa.

“Our initial investigations are that you have a very complex underground syndicate [involved in doping in athletics]. It involves agents, coaches and doctors so it will need multiple instruments to be deployed to dismantle that syndicate.

“I believe we need to criminalise doping and elevate handling of doping substances to the same level [as] narcotics.

“So in the same way we deal with drug traffickers, we should deal similarly with those engaged in this practice.”

Kenya’s total of 55 athletes currently banned by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for a range of violations is the third most of any nationality behind Russia (102) and India (61).

Ronaldo: Portugal deny that captain threatened to leave World Cup squad

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has denied that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup.

Portuguese publication Record claims the forward, 37, made the threat after being told he would not start their last-16 game against Switzerland.

In the previous game against South Korea, the Portugal captain reacted angrily when he was substituted.

The FPF said: “At no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.”

Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement before Portugal’s World Cup opener after

a controversial interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticised the club.

Ronaldo was substituted off the field in both of Portugal’s opening games and coach Fernando Santos said he “didn’t like” Ronaldo’s reaction when he was again replaced during the 2-1 group defeat by South Korea.

Goncalo Ramos started instead of Ronaldo against Switzerland and the 21-year-old scored a hattrick in the 6-1 victory.

Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s most-capped player (195) and alltime leading goalscorer (118), was used as a late substitute in that game but, afterwards left the field while his team-mates were still

celebrating.

“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected,” added the FPF.

“The degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated - if necessary - in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.”

Portugal face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Ronaldo did not train with the other substitutes after Wednesday’s game, instead taking part in a gym session alongside those that started against Switzerland.

A further eight Kenyans have been provisionally suspended and are awaiting the outcomes of their cases.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) does not believe doping should be made a criminal offence for athletes, with those sanctioned having a right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Russia has been banned from competing as a nation in athletics since 2015 but World Athletics president Lord Coe told BBC Sport that Kenya was not going to face a similar fate, although the situation in the country was “very serious”.

“They weren’t going to be banned because unlike the Russian situation, which we’ve been dealing with for the last seven years, there is no obvious evidence that this is state-sponsored or statesecured,” Lord Coe said.

“The challenge in Kenya is difficult and chaotic.

“The one thing that I’m optimistic about is from the very highest level of government through all the stakeholders that you would want on board - like the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, Athletics Kenya, the athletes themselves - there is a real determination to try and resolve this.”

PREVIOUS FAILURE

Previous attempts to criminalise doping in Kenya have been unsuccessful, with a motion by former member of parliament and ex-athlete Wesley Korir defeated in 2016.

The proposal to amend the rules of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) was rejected because it went against the Wada code of criminalisation.

Tournament host Tiger Woods (2006-07) and Viktor Hovland are the only players to win backto-back titles at the Hero World Challenge

All but one of Kenya’s 35 Olympic gold medals have come in athletics

Portuguese publication Record claims the forward, 37, made the threat after being told he would not start their last-16 game against Switzerland

Scott confident about excelling at Olympia Amateur in Las Vegas

England star Sterling to return to Qatar World Cup after burglary at family home

Sterling will return to the team’s World Cup base in Qatar ahead of the Three Lions’ quarterfinal tie against France on Saturday after flying home when intruders broke into his family home.

The forward missed England’s 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday after his home in Surrey, England, was burgled on the night of December 3.

“The Chelsea forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday (9 December) ahead of the quarter-final with France,” the Football Association

announced on Thursday.

CNN has reached out to Sterling’s representative for comment.

Surrey Police told CNN on

Monday that it was investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead after the occupants returned home from an international trip.

TCI’s top bodybuilder Denique Scott is confident that the package he is carrying to Las Vegas to compete at the prestigious Joe Weider’s Olympia Amateur on December 14 will earn him his pro card.

The ripped bodybuilder, who is now 31 years old, has been chasing the illustrious card for the last few years and has made several tweaks to his body to ensure that he dominates in the Men’s Physique.

“I basically took the entire year to add new muscle tissues and refine the conditioning.”

The competition at the NPC Sanctioned event is expected to be stiff, but the Turks Islander who has been living and training in Canada feels he has done enough to take his body to the next level.

“I’m really confident about this one. I’m a bit bigger with comparable lean conditioning to what I normally bring to the stage…Over the last year, I’ve

added muscle tissue all over but mostly more so in the back and upper chest area. You can’t really control which group of muscle is going to grow so gains were made in the lower half as well.”

SETTING THE STANDARDS

Although he is yet to get his pro card (to take him to the elite level), Scott has dominated over the years and he has been selective in what shows he attends.

This will be his ninth show and in his previous eighth, he has placed among the top finishers.

“I’m not expecting anything less,” the former national track athlete said.

Next week’s event will be the first time that he is competing outside of Canada.

“I expect a lot more competition at that show seeing the USA is like the bodybuilding capital. I’m confident that I can hold my own amongst the guys in my class.”

Denique Scott is looking to make his mark in Las Vegas

ENGLAND star Raheem

Raheem Sterling will return ahead of England’s quarterfinal against France on Saturday afternoon

Police and Beaches to battle in cricket final

POLICE hold a slight advantage when they battle Beaches on Sunday in the final of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association (TCICA) T-20 Cricket Competition at the Downtown Ball Park.

Both teams have dominated the regular season, but the Lawmen have been flawless and even handed their rivals a four-wicket loss when they competed several weeks ago.

The X factor is however the Lawmen’s batting, led by Garvin Bruno. The national cricketer, who is destructive with the willow has found form this season.

He has been instrumental in the last few victories for the side, with back-to-back dominant halfcenturies. This has allowed the other batsmen to also play their

shots and to make their mark.

When the two teams met in the regular season, both teams showed their batting prowess, but it was Bruno with 44, Kavin Mars with 51 and Kareem Jack with 37 who excelled.

Since then, Damian St Ange has also played well and will definitely be in the thick of things.

When they played the semifinals on Sunday last against Vibes, the Lawmen’s batting performance proved promising.

Bruno led the attack with 68 (6X4s, 4X6s), but there were five other batsmen in double figures, including Sabaton John with 38 (5X4s, 2X6s, 18 balls) not out.

St Ange with 27 (2X4s, 2X6s, 17 balls) and Chabbie Charlery with 24 (4X4s, 17 balls), also played their parts which helped to

push the team to 196-6 from their allotted overs.

Jason Campbell, who got the wickets of Mars, Jack and Charlery with his line and length bowling, finished with 3-43 from four, while quickie Ian Heath got the wicket of Bruno to finish with 1-32 from four overs.

Needing to score at over 9.8 runs per over, Vibes were up to the challenge, but their batsmen were not able to go hard enough as they settled for 176-3 from their allotted overs.

The talented Kevin Hinds finished with 49 (9X4s, 1X6), while Daleovaun Hardware supported with 36 (6X4s) and Ricardo Brown and Garnett Campbell with 35 (4X4s, 2X6s, 15 balls) and 29 (4X4s) respectively.

Charlery was the pick of the

bowlers with 3-34 from four overs.

BEACHES WIN

On the flip side, Beaches started the season dominantly led by their talisman Anthony McKnight. The former Jamaican youth player starred with both bat and ball, but he lost steam with the bat. It restricted the dominance but allowed a few other batsmen to step up.

This was evident on Sunday last when they defeated the Jaguars by seven wickets in the other semis.

Jaguars won the toss and opted to bat first but could not find their footing as opening bowler Danar Lewis, who has been relatively consistent this season, restricted the top order with figures of 3-22 from four overs. Support came from Claude Williams and Kenneth Lewis, who both finished with two

wickets each.

Daniel Bourne proved the only real resistance as he not only batted himself in but kept the scoreboard ticking to finish with 36 (1X4, 4X6s) as he pushed his team to 130 before they were bowled out in 15.2 overs.

In reply, Beaches reached 131-3 in 12 overs.

McKnight fell for 08, but Kenneth Lewis with 30 (5X4s, 1X6) and Sidue Hunter with 23 (2X4s, 2X6s) pushed the side forward before Mario Smith and Raymond Hunter, with unbeaten knocks of 34 (5X4s, 1X6) and 21, took them over the finish line.

When the two sides meet on Sunday, Beaches will count on their all-round abilities, while Police will look to bat their opponents out of the game.

Police have the firepower with the bat

Beaches have been a solid all-round side

Garvin Bruno receives yet another Man-ofthe-match award in the semi-finals

Anthony McKnight is probably Beaches best allrounder, but he needs to deliver with the bat on Sunday